I'm not sure what this BOP is - judging by the wing shape, even colour on the underwing and banding on the wing feathers and body I would guess brown goshawk. I have tried to improve the exposure and sharpness as the bird was high and silhouetted against bright cloud. I have added one of 2 flying away in case the wing shape helps identification. They were taken on Kooragang Island near Newcastle in NSW
Hey Bird Girl,
I just looked at my book and I doubt its a brown groshawk. They have barred belly and breast feathers.
I think it's a swamp harrier. They seem to be pretty common.
I moved here 4 weeks ago from the US and I have yet to identify a raptor. I've only seen one pearched really high with the sun behind it so I couldn't get a good look.
Awesome bird,
Chris
Mackay, QLD
I agree with your ID Birdgirl, adult brown goshawk.
al
Cheers,
al
Central Victoria
https://sites.google.com/site/blackhillreservekyneton/home
I can't see the pictures. I have a fair amount of experience with these two birds so should be able to add to this.
Perfect in flight image of an adult Brown Goshawk Kim. Rounded tail, broad wings. Swamp Harriers have an easily visible white rump. See this image of a male I took last September near Penrith:
Thanks for confirming. I'll have to go back one day and try again. Lovely colours in your photo
I was meant to post a link, not a photo. DOH!!!! :)
http://amatteroflight.com/gallery2/d/4035-1/Swamp-Harrier_5978.jpg
WEll done Birdgirl, I and never ID BOP unless they are obvious. just ask Andy LOL
Sunshine Coast Queensland
Certainly a Goshawk, if it matters anymore.