Hi Bill,
I suggest "too slim to be a Brown Falcon dark morph. I could not see any
barring." That bit is consistent with a Black Falcon. But it had long yellow
legs" rules out a Black Falcon. That is if you are comparing the legs to a
Brown Falcon.
Other options: A first year Swamp Harrier as you say, or a Black Kite,
though their legs are not particularly long.
The wing shape and the flight pattern (actions) are very different between
all these options.
Philip
-----Original Message-----
From: Bill & Raelene
Sent: Wednesday, 5 February 2014 2:24 PM
To:
Subject: dark raptor?
This morning at Mulligans Flat dam, as well as a Whistling Kite, there
was a dark raptor. It was perched in a dead tree at a distance in the
water. Later flew closer to look at me . It was too slim to be a Brown
Falcon dark morph. I could not see any barring. I'd like to think it was
a Black Falcon but it had long yellow legs. Later it moved off and
circled about. I did not pay attention to the wing shape. What could it
be? A first year Swamp Harrier? I took some photos and will try to put
them up tonight.
Bill Graham
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