Birds of Crete

[Mike G]

Are there any ornithologists who could identify a bird I spotted from my balcony in Plakias last month? Its wing shape was very much like a buzzard and it was gently circling around as a buzzard does. However, its distinguishing feature was a large white circle on the underside of each wing, towards the tips. I have been unable to identify it and neither has a keen ornithologist friend. I'm sure there is a picture of it somewhere on the internet.

Mike

[Richard]

Was the circle transmitted or reflected light? I think that it may have been a Golden Eagle, I saw one in the gorge this spring. Not exactly a circle, but could look very similar from a distance:

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR1rRQc45hy3_bMsSIwmMW5BmirqNPljuMkqaTaRHKlCkdT4whh

Looked very impressive!

Richard

[JackieatUrbanAgenda]

There are various eagles it could have been but the most likely is a juvenile Golden Eagle as they often have white patches on the wings etc. They are beautiful whatever the conditions....we saw one in the Gorge last year just yards from where we were standing.

[Mike G]

Although the white patches did appear more circular, I do think it was a golden eagle so thanks for your assistance.

Mike