Falco di palude

There’s a Marsh Harrier overhead. We’ve been here for hours waiting and when one appears it’s against the light.

It’s a silhouette. If only it had flown the other direction rather than with the sun behind it, I could have got amazing photographs.

The Italian name for the Marsh Harrier is Falco di palude, which means Falcon of the Marsh. Its scientific name is Circus aeruginosus, which comes from circus, a circling flight, and aeruginosus, which means rust-coloured.

It’s magnificent.

I hope to see one again, this time with the light in the best direction. For now, I’m merely thrilled.