Help needed please. Can't decide between Swamp Harrier or juvenile Spotted Harrier or other.
Taken 12-08-16 Strzelecki Track, 100kln North of Lyndhurst.
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Looks a good match for the first immature spotted harrier plummage as per the Birds of Prey of Australia field guide - although yours has a bit paler colours underneath.
Excellent photos too.
I can't shed any light on the ID but can't not comment on the quality of these photos! Just amazing
Ryu
Canberra
Aiming for DSLR-quality shots with a bridge camera
Agree with juvenile Spotted Harrier but I am no expert. The tail barring is wide and bold where a Swamp Harrier appears to be narrow and shadowy as per Slater's and Pizzey & Knight guides. The neck collar'' also seems right. It is just like the picture in Birds of Australia by woods et al albeit a bit paler.
Love these learning exercises but the stunning photos make it so much easier. Well done, Rick.
Sue
Thanks for your responses. Happy with juvenile Spotted Harrier.
I agree with juvenile Spotted Harrier. The black wingtips are a good feature to look for combined with the thick black tail barring as mentioned by Sue. :)
LM
Well I just learned something. These are great exercises to do. Especially when you give reasons like Sue & LM.