Steppe Buzzard migration is now in full flow which adds an
extra dimension to the count as this species does not stick to the count
protocol. Birds scatter themselves across the bottleneck crossing the transect
line sometimes several times before continuing their migratory journey.
Eagles however are more orderly passing in increasing
numbers in recent days. Identifying and aging Eagles is a tricky matter with
five calendar years from juvenile to adult. The first Eagle presentation was
delivered by Tohar (Netherlands) with the emphasis on aging the bird before
identifying the species. Birds are also recorded as juvenile, immature or adult
for the purposes of the count.
The Eastern Imperial Eagle which is a separate species to
the Spanish Imperial Eagle is seen on passage through the bottleneck. There
have been a few birds through so far along with Greater Spotted Eagle the latter I
have not seen to date.
Lesser Spotted Eagle is the most regular species of Eagle but
they are similar to Greater Spotted and Steppe Eagle. As stated in D.Forsman Flight
Identification of Raptors “Great care and good light is required to separate these
species.”
Steppe Eagle can be confused with Lesser Spotted Eagles in
immature plumages. The juveniles are distinct with the Steppe having a very
broad white edge to the under-wing and white line to the greater coverts. There
are also differences in structure between species but experience of both
species is required.
I am looking forward to the challenge of getting to grips in
identifying these species during the latter stages of the count.
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