Re: Eleonora's Falcon reported today from Kingston Seymour
This bird was seen approaching the cafe fairly low over the trees. The first impression was peregrine like but as it turned the long wings and tail plus whippy flight action ruled that out. As bird passed it was watched for under a minute and smooth white cheeks on blackish head with strong contrast between white throat and dark, uniform looking breast commented upon.Underside of body appeared completely unstreaked and two of the three observers called eleonoras at about same time.
Both of these observers familiar with eleonoras and had experience of species within last month overseas. Two peregrines already seen earlier in morning and kestrel present over cafe as usual today. The id was considered adult intermediate towards dark end of spectrum but decision taken to alert local birders in case bird went to chew (via texts and twitter).pagers prob picked up third hand news hence no mention on them of phase.
Re: Eleonora's Falcon reported today from Kingston Seymour
Hi Howard,
Many thanks for taking the time to respond with such a detailed account. And well done for circulating the news immediately.
The underbody description is slightly troubling in that all age/morphs of Eleonora's Falcon normally show some streaking or mottling, except adult dark morph. Presumably no photos were taken due to the briefness of the sighting so let's hope it turns up again.