Thanks to Tony for sending me the photos. Yes I agree with the ID both of the
female Collared Sparrowhawk (and yes it appears to be a big one) and the
Crested Pigeons. Whilst the feathers of the pigeon are a big mess, there is
quite enough to be sure that is what it is.
Philip
-----Original Message-----
From: Philip Veerman
Sent: Monday, 13 August, 2018 1:21 PM
To: 'Tony Willis'; 'Canberra birds'
Subject: More Avian dramas in backyards
It is surprising to me how often the Collared Sparrowhawks in Canberra, target
Crested Pigeons (which would seem to be at the upper size range of potential
prey). Many such observations (including by me). Maybe the photo is enough to
identify them both. I could not get the link quoted to open the picture........
Although this story as written, is not evidence of this, as presence of 2
Crested Pigeons one day in no way suggests one is a victim another day.
Philip
-----Original Message-----
From: Tony Willis
Sent: Monday, 13 August, 2018 12:03 PM
To: Canberra birds
Subject: More Avian dramas in backyards
Further to John's report of Collared Sparrowhawks in the suburbs ....
Early last week I saw 2 Crested Pigeons sitting on the grass in my back
courtyard (in Cook, near the Jamison Centre) enjoying the afternoon sun.
On Friday, however, when I looked outside, I saw a pile of feathers
instead. On closer inspection, there was a Collared Sparrowhawk* out
there, feeding on the remains of a bird - probably one of those Crested
Pigeons. From its size I'd assume the Collared Sparrowhawk was a
female. It fed on its victim voraciously for a while, before flying up
onto the garden wall to clean itself off. It then returned to the
carcass, grabbed hold, and flew with it up to the wall, where it ate on
it further. Eventually it picked up the carcass again and flew with it
over the house and out of sight.
Pictures taken through a very dirty window have been archived, as listed
below.
Tony Willis
Cook
View this checklist online athttps://ebird.org/view/checklist/S47814598
* I take it to be a Collared Sparrowhawk rather than a Brown Goshawk at
it seemed to have a smallish beak, no distinct eyebrow ridge, "staring"
rather than "glaring" eyes, and significantly very-long middle toes.
Mind you, it was pretty large - about Magpie sized.
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