Exminster Marshes

A large Falcon sp. It had to happen, the first day for some time I failed to take my scope or camera with me on a morning walk on the marshes. A scan of the fields immediately located a large pale raptor sitting on the ground. Creamy colour with dark wings it was only marginally smaller than a buzzard close by. Closer inspection confirmed a heavily streaked breast, dark brown wings and a noticeable tail projection. However it was the facial pattern that was most interesting; pale crown contrasting with a black mark above the eyes running down the nape and pronounced moustachial stripe. After 20 minutes the bird flew towards Topsham. In flight the wings looked long and narrow as did the tail. It was a powerful falcon bigger than the resident peregrine. It looked like a Saker but with so many hybrids about I guess we will never confirm the id. However if anyone else saw this bird please contact me.