Just to show Tark that he is not alone in shooting with the wrong setting this happened to me a few weeks ago. Spotted my first Swamp Harrier,at first i thought it was an eagle but some nice chaps ID it as a Swamp Harrier,i was so excited at seeing it i forgot to change the setting and all 8 shots of it came out blurred, this was the best out of the lot..
With that amount of red on it ,it might even have been a Spotted Harrier. They are more a bird of dry country. Check out the distribution maps, and habitat requirements of both species.
Definitely a Harrier with those long, thin, naked (unfeathered) legs.
Shame about the camera settings, a better shot might have been more useful in determining species.
Don't worry, we have all done it.
Spotted Harrier:
http://birdsinbackyards.net/finder/display.cfm?id=228
Swamp Harrier
http://birdsinbackyards.net/finder/display.cfm?id=229
Denis Wilson
www.peonyden.blogspot.com
Don't you hate that Raoul,thanks for posting mate as I have never seen one and doubt that I ever will.
Gee thanks Raoul, that makes me feel so much better, mate! LOL
And yes, I can really feel for you in missing this one ... it's no so bad if you goof on a common bird, there's always a next time. But your harrier like my falcon are not so common and you wonder if you'll ever get another chance.
Regards, "Tark" - Olympus 4/3rds colour
Spectacular bird anyway - lucky you for finding it