Pallid Harrier sighting at the Doñana

[Peter]

There have been a report, supported by photographs, of a juvenile Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus at the Doñana last week. I managed a trip there myself Wednesday and although I saw plenty of Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus, I was not fortuneate enough to spot this bird.

It will be interesting to see a photograph as the juveniles are very similar to Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus, with underbody and under wing-coverts unstreaked chestnut (occasionally paler rufous-buff, but generally not distinguishable from C. pygargus) and undersurface of secondaries dark grey.

 

[Stephen]

Hi Peter, Quite often as you know the Pallid Harriers get pushed by wind direction down through France and onto the Iberian Peninsula. I have been fortunate enough to spot an adult male Pallid Harrier over our house, here in Cadiz province, Andalucia, a few years back during the spring migration. Again, constant easterlies in N Africa pushed some Pallids westwards along the N African coastline, past their usual (western) crossing routes through Sicily and Malta, and ended up going for the The Strait of Gibraltar as the last available place to cross into Europe safely. On seeing this bird, rubbing my eyes first of course, I got into the car to try and follow him and try for a photograph. No joy alas, as the bird flew straight across the large Las Breñas Pine forest and was lost! Still, the record was accepted and as we all know, compared to the UK, there are so few 'birders eyes' out in there, picking up on the out of the ordinary vagrants - especially down in SW Andalucia.

[JuanO]

Think time of year is difficult for this species. Probabilities are better for other species. Your sighting Stephen more acceptable time of year. I want also to see photo.

 

Juan

[Peter]

Hi Peter, Quite often as you know the Pallid Harriers get pushed by wind direction down through France and onto the Iberian Peninsula. I have been fortunate enough to spot an adult male Pallid Harrier over our house, here in Cadiz province, Andalucia, a few years back during the spring migration. Again, constant easterlies in N Africa pushed some Pallids westwards along the N African coastline, past their usual (western) crossing routes through Sicily and Malta, and ended up going for the The Strait of Gibraltar as the last available place to cross into Europe safely. On seeing this bird, rubbing my eyes first of course, I got into the car to try and follow him and try for a photograph. No joy alas, as the bird flew straight across the large Las Breñas Pine forest and was lost! Still, the record was accepted and as we all know, compared to the UK, there are so few 'birders eyes' out in there, picking up on the out of the ordinary vagrants - especially down in SW Andalucia.

Hi Stephen, Lucky man seeing your adult male, beautiful bird and more’s the pity you were unable to photograph it. The male would have made a fine addition to your already impressive ‘raptor’ collection. Of course Pallid Harrier is on the Andalucian list and so does occur here albeit very rarely.

First things first. I have long since learnt, quite rightly in my opinion, to react to these sightings with the philosophical ‘never say never’. Also avian waif and stray juveniles are likely to, and do, turn-up in the most unusual places.  I guess the point of my post is the extreme difficulty with the separation of juvenile Pallids from Montagu’s, unless of course you have both in your sights at the same time! The other aspect which would make this record ‘difficult’ is the time of year. Late autumn and early winter records of Montagu’s exist so hence the reason I wouldn’t mind taking a look at some useful/useable photographs.

BTW Welcome to the ABS forum JuanO. 

[john]

Is this the bird now reported (with fuzzy photos) on the rare birds in Spain site?  It was reported between Sanlucar and Jerez,

John

[Peter]

Is this the bird now reported (with fuzzy photos) on the rare birds in Spain site?  It was reported between Sanlucar and Jerez,

John

Yes and take a very good look at the photos and you tell me if you believe it is possible to seperate this juvenile bird from Montagu's and if so on what detail?

For readers of the forum take a look at http://www.rarebirdspain.net/home.htm a useful site to visit.

Peter

[john]

It's a pity that the photos are so blurry and the detail rather indistinct. I don't think the flight shot can really tell us anything either way, but, hopefully, the observer might have been able to note the under wing pattern which should help.  The bird at rest is rather more useful - this bird does seem to show the 'classic' dark 'boa' and distinct pale collar of a Pallid Harrier.  Although difficult to judge, the wing length seems about the same as tail length which would seem to rule out a female (which should have shorter wings) so presumably this is a juvenile male.  So, on balance, I'd opt for Pallid rather than Montagu's although I'd like to see some field notes and/or more photos,
John

[Peter]

Agree John. I would also like to see some field notes and better photographs. Never know the observer/s might see this post and help out.

Peter

[Peter]

It's a pity that the photos are so blurry and the detail rather indistinct. I don't think the flight shot can really tell us anything either way, but, hopefully, the observer might have been able to note the under wing pattern which should help.  The bird at rest is rather more useful - this bird does seem to show the 'classic' dark 'boa' and distinct pale collar of a Pallid Harrier.  Although difficult to judge, the wing length seems about the same as tail length which would seem to rule out a female (which should have shorter wings) so presumably this is a juvenile male.  So, on balance, I'd opt for Pallid rather than Montagu's although I'd like to see some field notes and/or more photos,
John

According to my references the dark cheek patch should connect to the lower mandible in Pallid, but looking hard at the picture published, the patch doesn't come close. Take a look.

[john]

Having looked at photos of Pallid Harrier in Forsman I'm not sure that, on a photo of this quality, you can make out the sort of details to be certain either way,
John 

[Peter]

Having looked at photos of Pallid Harrier in Forsman I'm not sure that, on a photo of this quality, you can make out the sort of details to be certain either way,
John

I think that is where I end-up on this bird. On the evidence that is 'only' the 2 photos shown on RBS site, then it is doubtful anyone can be certain on its identity. So is it a Harrier sp and not a definate id?

Peter