There might be other ideas, but my view is that the female sparrowhawk and male goshawk are very similar to one another, for example both have a weaker bill and less
heavy brow than in the typical female goshawk. Even with good photos the FS and MG can be difficult to distinguish without a clear view of those toes. I think the bill on this bird puts it in the FS/MG category. Beyond that I don’t think the bird can be
definitely identified from Rob’s photo.
From: Canberrabirds <>
On Behalf Of Dr David Rosalky via Canberrabirds
Sent: Sunday, 27 October 2024 4:05 PM
To: ; 'Canberra Birds' <>
Subject: Re: [Canberrabirds] Unknown raptor
My guess is a Brown Goshawk
From: Canberrabirds <>
On Behalf Of regeraghty--- via Canberrabirds
Sent: Sunday, 27 October 2024 12:56 PM
To: Canberra Birds <>
Subject: [Canberrabirds] Unknown raptor
While counting birds yesterday for the Blitz, I spotted a raptor in a treetop a long way off which was being harassed by Dusky Woodswallows. The folks at ABID are undecided, but suggested possibly a Brown Goshawk. I realise that the attached
photo isn’t great, but it was taken at a considerable distance and the bird was backlit by the sky. I’ve done what I can to get data out of the raw, but the resolution is low. I thought maybe a Collared Sparrowhawk. It was on Corin Road on the dam (western)
side of the highest point, in an area where the northern side of the road was burned in the 2019 fire and the southern side wasn’t. There’s a small waterfall in the area.
Does anyone have any thoughts, please? It may be that there’s just not enough detail in the image to identify it.
