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Spotted Harrier ?? at Kurnell

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Subject: Spotted Harrier ?? at Kurnell
From: Chris Ross <>
Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 22:08:23 +1000
At lunchtime today I spotted a raptor close to the water just near Cape
Solander in Botany bay NP, Kurnell.  It was flying low close to the
waters edge and was quickly set upon by an Aust raven.  Key features
observed through 8x42 binos were a distintly black and white barred tail
and black widely fingered wing tips.  It was quite pale, initially
appearing grey, ten showing some buff colouration.  It was only seen
from above.

After being harrassed by the raven it leisureley headed out across the
water dropping close to the surface and headd towards La Perouse.  My
first thought without having a field guide handy was a grey goshawk,
however referring to a field guide later showed the closest match to be
a juvenile spotted harrier.  It looked too dark for an Osprey, which
also has dark fingers and some barring of the tail.  It was a comparable
size to the raven.  Any thoughts about my ID??

regards,

Chris Ross
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