Falco cenchroides

1 Nankeen Kestrel at Symonston, ACT

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Identification history

Falco cenchroides	13 Nov 2018	ChrisDavey
Falco cenchroides	10 Nov 2018	BIrdsinCanberra
Falco cenchroides	10 Nov 2018	natureguy
Falco longipennis	9 Nov 2018	BIrdsinCanberra

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User's notes

I saw two Nankeen Kestrels flying from the south-east to the north-west. The birds flew to the dead tree in the photo but I was only able to take a photo of one of the birds and even that photo was pushing my lens to its limits. I started walking towards the tree to see if I could get closer but the Kestrels took off while I was still a distance away. They flew further to the north-east, possibly to another tree with leaves. I was unsure if they landed there as I lost sight of them among the foliage.

5 comments

BIrdsinCanberra wrote:

11 Nov 2018

Hi Nature Guy, Thanks for the suggestion. I originally thought it was a Nankeen Kestrel as well, but using the Australian Bird Guide, I thought the face markings of the kestrel (p. 239) were too small and light. The face markings of the Australian Hobby (p. 241) were darker and more of an inverted triangle, as can be seen in the photograph. I admit the photograph is not great. I wish I had paid more attention to the flight, as I believe it was more flapping of wings then soaring. I am no expert so happy to take advice. Many thanks again for your suggestion. Cheers.

natureguy wrote:

11 Nov 2018

No problem, not 100% sure, hence why I have left it unconfirmed.
Will wait and see what the other moderators think.

BIrdsinCanberra wrote:

11 Nov 2018

Many thanks Natureguy. I am also intrigued to see if it will be confirmed. All the best

ArcherCallaway wrote:

11 Nov 2018

Hard with the dark image but I am supportive of Nankeen Kestrel

BIrdsinCanberra wrote:

11 Nov 2018

Hi Ryu, Many thanks, really value your opinion as well as that of Natureguy. I have added a further crop of the original photo, in which I have also tried to lighten the bird. Happy to go with the consensus this is a Nankeen Kestrel. Many thanks to you and Natureguy for having a look at it. Cheers

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