It’s only come to my attention that, amidst the busyness of everything else, I didn’t actually reveal the answer to the What Bird Is This? #33 at the end of February!
For those of you who guessed the Groundscraper Thrush, well done! You hit the nail on the head. I hope the little riddle about its “best posture award” helped a few of you get there. It’s a classic Londolozi character, but now it’s time to dial up the difficulty.
This month, we are looking at a bird that is an extremely rare find. While it has been recorded at Londolozi a handful of times, getting a clear photo of it is a Herculean task. Usually, by the time you’ve even thought about whipping your camera out, it has already vanished into the distance.
It is a master of the “disappearing act.” To help you narrow it down, here is your riddle for the month:
The Riddle of the Pale Traveller
I am a visitor from distant northern lands,
A slender shadow over golden sands.
I do not perch in the thickets or the trees,
But dance low and buoyant on the summer breeze.
Goodmorning Sean! Im going to throw my hat in the ring again and suggest a female Montagu’s Harrier, although a Pallid is also possible. The reason for my choice is the white rump, and the location of the white patch on the top-side of the wing. Like the poem says, these guys favour grassland to trees and are palearctic migrants… definetly far more challneging than last time! Nice poetry by the way…did you write it yourself?
Good afternoon, Verney. Thanks for the comment. Yes, indeed, I was thinking of coming up with a little riddle or something for these “What Bird Is This?” challenges.
Will let you know the answer on Friday.
Apologies…meant to say a female Pallid Harrier, not Montagu’s. Got the two flipped!
Hi Sean I am sure it is a Steppe Eagle.
Thanks Valmai, we will share the answer with you on Friday.
Mmmm tricky! But I’d shoot for an adult, female Montagu’s Harrier (Circus Pygargus) rather than a Pallid Harrier!
Thanks Derek. We will let you know on Friday.
Hi Sean. We are still waiting for you to confirm it’s an adult, female Montagu’s Harrier ! 🙂
Difficult. A bird of prey??
Yes, it is a bird of prey.
Not sure in South Africa, but here in California that would be the Northern Harrier. It’s one of my favorites to and photo at the extensive marshland nearby where I often go birding.
Thanks Marcia. We will let you know on Friday.
Hi Sean, very elegant bird. Might it be a pale chanting goshawk…? Just guessing…
Good guess, Francesca. We will let you know on Friday.
Well, I missed guessing on #33, but I’ll try again for #34 – Montagu harrier?
Thanks for tuning in on this one Denise. Hold on until Friday for the answer.
African Harrier Hawk.
Thanks Stephen. Check back in on this Friday’s TWIP and I will share the answer.
Could it be a Montagu’s Harrier?
You will have to wait until Friday to see what it is.
Hello Sean,
I think it is a Montagu’s Harrier, juvenile plumage
female.
What a beautiful bird!
I really like ”What Bird Is This? One learn a lot!
Thanks Ann, we will share the answer with you this Friday.
Is it a Marsh harrier?