Prompted by this interesting discussion, I've put a few images of a Swamp
Harrier i photographed at the Lesser Yellowlegs spot a couple of years ago
(Jerseyville, NSW) which is also a bit similar. The quality is terrible but
still hopefully interesting for people?
http://www.pbase.com/davidstowe/swamp_harrier
(last 4 images)
Cheers
David Stowe
On 09/01/2011, at 9:52 AM, Rohan Clarke wrote:
> Thanks Sav,
>
> I suspect it may not be that straightforward....In Australia I have never
> seen a bird that was as pale as the two recent photographs (but have seen a
> couple approaching this) and I have seen hundreds, probably 1000s, of Swamp
> Harriers here. In contrast, I've seen a few very pale birds during just a
> handful of short visits to NZ. I'd suggest that pale birds make up a larger
> proportion of the population in NZ rather than these sightings simply
> reflecting a greater abundance there.
>
> Two possible explanations for this might be that the NZ birds have come
> through a genetic bottleneck when establishing that has led to a higher
> proportion of the male population developing these plumages at a younger age
> or alternatively perhaps the age structure of the NZ population is different
> to the Australian population (i.e. birds live longer in NZ) - quite possible
> given Swamp Harrier is effectively at the top of the pecking order in NZ but
> a long way down the list in Australia.
>
> Cheers,
> Rohan
>
> On 9/01/2011 9:09 AM, wrote:
>> In New Zealand - Swamp Harrier is the only large raptor, and
>> is very widespread and common. One can easily see up to 50
>> Harriers in a day. We see birds like this all the time, and
>> I believe that you Aussies don't see so many just because
>> there are not so many!!
>>
>> Cheers
>>
>> Sav Saville
>> Wrybill Birding Tours,NZ
>> "Great Birds, Real Birders"
>>
>> ----- Original Message Follows -----
>>> Just for those that may be interested here is another
>>> Swamp Harrier looking very similar to the bird pointed to
>>> by Rohan.
>>>
>>> http://www.pbase.com/palliser/image/131670089
>>>
>>> This individual was photographed at Kurnell, Sydney in
>>> November 2008. Such birds are not that uncommon, but
>>> interesting just the same.
>>>
>>> Cheers,
>>> Tony
>>>
>>>
>>>
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>
>
> --
> Rohan Clarke
> www.wildlifeimages.com.au
>
> Latest updates
> http://www.pbase.com/wildlifeimages/root&view=recent
>
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