Compound set of 3 digiscoped and 1 SLR shot of this striking bird that closely resembles the North American 'hudsonius' form of Hen Harrier, formerly known as 'Marsh Hawk'. From top-left clockwise: sitting on rough ground; perched on marsh edge; standing on wooden post; and hunting across a wash (disturbing Teal). The dark eye & large size indicate that the bird is female, and the dark upperparts, with contrasting coverts, and dark hood contrasting greatly with the almost unmarked bright-apricot underparts (reminiscent of juv. Montagu's) are suggestive ID pointers. (For valuable discussions of the minutiae/pitfalls, see for example various articles in 'Birding Frontiers' and 'Birding World', stimulated by the Norfolk & Irish birds of late 2010 onwards, and recent chat on 'Cambirds'.)

Equipment

Kowa + LX5; Canon 300 mm, hand-held.