This lunchtime while working in the garden I took a couple of minutes to watch a group of Swifts pass high overhead - in there were 2 birds I couldn't identify and it's doing my head in - characteristics are
Looked slightly larger than a Swift
Underwing and breast reddish-brown - couldn't see any markings as too high
Wing shape - definite 'elbow', slight swept back with blunt end and no 'fingers'
Conspicuous white rump
Tail a decent length - shape like a Hobby but with white rump continuing down for the first 2/3rds and a solid and quite thick black band at the tip
They seemed to be actively hunting flying insects - EDIT forgot to say, they had a weird flight, part soaring and part 'fluttery'
Of course binoculars/cameras in the house - they were in view for 15 seconds or so before heading off north with the Swift
Anyone got any suggestions because I'm out of ideas!
Sounds interesting - any Pratincoles about?????
ReplyDeleteWell you know what Chris - that did enter my mind! But .... the tail was blunt rather than forked!
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