I spent 8 hours in the field today in sub-urban Canberra and the
undoubted highlight was the observation of an immature female (by
size) Grey Falcon at the bridge over Jerrabomberra Creek near the
Fulica hide at 10:15. The size comparison was provided by a
Black-shouldered Kite that wasted no time in mobbing the falcon after
it alighted in the dead willow tree nearest to the bridge. The
falcon appeared massive in comparison to the kite. The Grey Falcon
was distinctly bluish grey above and pale below, lacking the dark
hood of a Peregrine, with a whitish aural patch and a thin but
distinct dark moustachial stripe. The falcon reacted to the kite in
a most unusual fashion by hanging upside down and striking at it with
one set of talons. Ultimately, the falcon dropped from the willow
and headed off toward Fyshwick in low powerful direct flight. I
hunted around for a couple of hours but eventually ran out of petrol
both figuratively and literally without relocating the bird. Also
present were Little Eagle, Whistling Kite and a dark Brown Falcon.
Milburn
--
The Milburns
8 Miller Street
O'Connor
ACT 2602
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