Hello Paul.
The colouration and behaviour that you describe sound very much like a Black-shouldered Kite.
> Date: Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:04:27 +1100
> To:
> From:
> Subject: [canberrabirds] Black and White bird of prey?
>
> 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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