Hi Ryu,
17-18 Diamond Firetails in a single flock Is indeed a notable find.
Yes your 2
Brown Goshawk is correct (from the photos). Here is an extra hint for anyone.... If you get a good
look at a pair of either Brown Goshawk / Collared Sparrowhawk you can add size as an effective identifier. Simply because when you have a pair, you can tell which is which sex. The female Brown Goshawk is about the size of a cockatoo whereas the male Collared
Sparrowhawk is about the size of a B-f Cuckoo–shrike.
I have never seen a Brown Goshawk and Collared Sparrowhawk (any sex combination) in close proximity. Jerry Olsen said that Collared Sparrowhawks steer well
clear of Brown Goshawks. I guess fights are possible.
Innovative to include a sound recording. In terms of distinguishing between species, that doesn’t help. Their calls are close to identical.
Philip
From: Ryu Callaway [
Sent: Thursday, 6 October, 2016 11:03 PM
To: COG Chat
Subject: [canberrabirds] Gilmore Horse Paddocks
Highlights from a visit this afternoon include:
-
50-60 Red-browed finch in a single flock
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17-18 Diamond Firetails in a single flock!
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4 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes in a single flock
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The first Dollarbird back to the ACT for this season!
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5 Dusky Woodswallows
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2 Brown Goshawk(?, ID confirmation would be appreciated:
http://ebird.org/ebird/australia/view/checklist/S31914588)
A lowlight was at least 12 (estimate 20-30) Indian Mynas.
There are now 3 clutches of ducklings at Fadden Hills Pond- 7, 8, and a slightly older lot of 16.
