Howdy All,
Warning....... beginner type question. If this is a concern, please
ignore the rest of this message.
Yesterday afternoon I was coming back from Woden to Higgins when I
noted a bird hovering in the classic hawk/falcon/bird of prey type
stationary position peering down at the ground. It was up on the
hillside above the road heading towards Higgins from Coppins Crossing
Road, at a reasonable distance but unmistakeably hovering in
traditional fashion. The big thing that surprised me was that it was
definitely black and white (or perhaps black, grey and white), not
the usual shades of brown that I associate with birds of
prey. Underside was predominantly white, although not completely
unmarked, with the wings darker but various shadings within. As to
colour arrangements I could not tell you more than that. It was
almost similar in colouration to a seagul, but the proportions were
all wrong and they don't hover that way. I have little to no
knowledge of birds of prey, other than the basic shape etc. I
couldn't tell a collared sparrowhawk from whatever if my life
depended on it, most likely. I only know there are collared
sparrowhawks due to this list! <grin>. The size of the bird was
relatively small, hawk sized as opposed to eagle size, but not a
small hawk either. I was driving in a group of cars, so I couldn't
stop to look properly, and it isn't easy to turn or pull off in that
area just starting to head up the hill. I just do not associate
black and white with the birds of prey of this size? Any ideas what
it could be? I have no way to verify itt either way, and may never
see it again for a better look, but it piqued my curiosity for the
unusual colouration.
Thanks for any help, if it rings any bells with anyone. if not, it
will just have to remain in my memory as the unknown black and white
bird of prey. LOL
Cheers.
Paul T.
Higgins, ACT.
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