BOP

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Birdgirl2009
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BOP

I'm not sure what this BOP is - judging by the wing shape, even colour on the underwing and banding on the wing feathers and body I would guess brown goshawk. I have tried to improve the exposure and sharpness as the bird was high and silhouetted against bright cloud. I have added one of 2 flying away in case the wing shape helps identification. They were taken on Kooragang Island near Newcastle in NSW

oaks17
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Hey Bird Girl,

I just looked at my book and I doubt its a brown groshawk. They have barred belly and breast feathers.

I think it's a swamp harrier. They seem to be pretty common.

I moved here 4 weeks ago from the US and I have yet to identify a raptor. I've only seen one pearched really high with the sun behind it so I couldn't get a good look.

Awesome bird,

Chris
Mackay, QLD

al
al's picture

I agree with your ID Birdgirl, adult brown goshawk.
al

Ashywolf
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I can't see the pictures. I have a fair amount of experience with these two birds so should be able to add to this.

Windhover
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Perfect in flight image of an adult Brown Goshawk Kim. Rounded tail, broad wings. Swamp Harriers have an easily visible white rump. See this image of a male I took last September near Penrith:

Birdgirl2009
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Thanks for confirming. I'll have to go back one day and try again. Lovely colours in your photo

Windhover
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I was meant to post a link, not a photo. DOH!!!! :)

http://amatteroflight.com/gallery2/d/4035-1/Swamp-Harrier_5978.jpg

birdie
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WEll done Birdgirl, I and never ID BOP unless they are obvious. just ask Andy LOL

Sunshine Coast Queensland

Ashywolf
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Certainly a Goshawk, if it matters anymore.

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