Captured this morning at Kingston, not far south of Hobart. I was lucky to spot it before it spotted me ... that doesn't happen often, birds I've discovered must have bionic vision.
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Wow Tark, top shots mate,you have done well to catch that.
Thats a Collared Sparrow Hawk mate, almost certain.
They are great shots - well done - I find that birds of prey always fly away when they see me although they do not mind heavy traffic below their roost
I think you are correct, if Tark could just pop back and get a picture from the front... the middle toe length compared to the other toes will allow us to be sure it is not a Brown Goshawk. :-)
Ed Townsville NQ
Hi Tark.
Great shots.
For a supposed "inexperienced birdo" you are getting some great birds.
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I agree with Tassie and Ed re Collared Sparrowhawk.
Nice idea Ed, re getting a front view.
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Fine (small) beak and thin legs and lack of prominent "eye brows" make Sparrowhawk ID certain, in my mind.
Compare and contrast with AA's recent photo of juvenile female Goshawk.
http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/forum/messages.cfm?threadid=03524823-EFE7-CC5F-DDC82E768B4F8820
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By the way, Tark, that the angle Ed wants you to take. Now if you can just go back,,,,
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Cheers
Denis
Denis Wilson
www.peonyden.blogspot.com
That's a ripper, Tark. Getting so close to it must have been a great thrill. Thin legs and lack of obvious brow makes it a CSH for me, too. Good luck attempting a toe shot.... :-))
Cheers,
George
Melbourne, VIC
HI Tark
Love these shots mate good one.
Tassie - thanks mate - yes, the consensus is that it's a CSH, even Sandra says so and I ain't arguin' none!
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Birdgirl - that's true sis, and I've noticed that birds aren't afraid of traffic - sometimes you can take advantage of that and shoot without getting out of your car - I did that today with a couple of white- faced herons that I'll be posting later (Sandra was driving very slowly!)
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ed - sure Mac, I might just do that and surprise y'all ... but don't hold your breath, mate.
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Denis - Thanks for that but I disagree ... as a wedding photographer I've had years of experience shooting birds and some were very flighty. That said, I have to say that a tip you gave me a few weeks ago about walking slowly through the bush, stop, look, listen, a few more paces slowly - stop, look and listen has paid off. That good advice enabled me to catch this CSH off guard for just long enough to rip off a few quick shots.
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Thanks George - going after that toe shot should keep me on my toes mate.
Regards, "Tark" - Olympus 4/3rds colour
I've found the CSH is more trusting that the BG and will often let a slow approach, while the BG seems to be very flighty, the Grey Goshawk also seems to be more approachable, any else found this?
Ed Townsville NQ
Haven't had enough experience yet and when one day I capture one I probably won't know immediately what it is until I get it ID'd - but I am really pleased that Sandy has started taking an active interest in the photography side.
Regards, "Tark" - Olympus 4/3rds colour
Tark Truly great shots it had spotted you :) I find if you slowly crouch down birds will tend to stay a little longer, also if you walk at an angle rather than straight at them it can get you a little closer
Cheers
Nick
Thanks Nick, yes, I have already discovered that - only sometimes the cracking of my knees frightens them away ... they think its rifle fire. :)
Regards, "Tark" - Olympus 4/3rds colour
Tark mate that is one hell of a good pic, well done.
Thanks mate, stumbling upon it was a lucky break - I had no idea as to what it was when I shot it.
Regards, "Tark" - Olympus 4/3rds colour