help on id required

["Paul West" <>]

Hi there,

 

I dont know a lot about birds (anything at all that is) but to satisfy my own curriosity, i saw this bird in my front yard a few months ago.  A picture is located here...

http://members.optusnet.com.au/apcw/paul_bird.jpg

 

I have researched a little and think its a sparrowhawk or a goshawk, it was quite tall (at least 50cm + tail), had black and white striped  chest, black head/wings and yellow legs.

 

This bird was scene in the suburb of north balwyn vic., about 17kn from the mebourne CBD. It made a starling change from the regular pidgeons and sparrow I usually see.

 

Any help would be appreciated, and can be sent to

 

thanks

paul.