My son Sam rescued this little beauty today, looks owl like, but some say it is a Swamp Harrier. Sam and I do wildlife rescue for a local wildlife park - Bonorong, one of two organisations who assist with rescuing wildlife in Southern Tasmania. All is done under legislation overseen by the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.
Found at Franklin, 50klm south of Hobart Tasmania.
Poor thing has a broken wing, and has been taken to our bird friendly vet, for treatment and subsequent rehab before being released (hopefully). Unfortunately Sam could not see the vet for an ID, and the counter staff were of little help.
Any ideas?
Have to say, I'm not an expert in either birds, but just had a look through my books. and I noticed that the Swamp Harrier has the same yellow at the base of the beak, but none of the Owls do. Shame you can't see the tail and legs. But also looking at the pattern on the wing, to me it does look like a Swamp Harrier. I hope sombody will know.
What a great job both of you are doing.
M-L
Done well on the ID- ML sulphur eyes and a yellow cere Swamp Harrier.
See it! Hear it!
Mid-North Coast NSW
Just added another photo sam had on his iPhone before capturing the said bird, think now it looks like a Swamp Harrier, but still looking to confirm. This photo shows the talon, al be it from a strange angle. I guess Darinnightowl has also just confirmed this while I have been uploading this post.
Thanks M.L and Darin
Dale Huonville, Tasmania