Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus)

Harriers are often tricky especially the ones with a female-like plumage, adding heat and shimmer in Africa – and not to mention a bird seen on a distance – it becomes very difficult. Here a 2Cy male. Above: second calendar because the outer primaries as well as all (?) secondaries are from the year before photo taken. Below: breast and flanks with faint blue grey streakings. Later age stage will show two black lines on the underwing, and grey from roughly head to central belly. Only males have this blue grey plumage. Photo 07 August 2009 (Denmark). Copyright © Louis A. Hansen

Click to view full-size image…