Common … but never ordinary

I’m afraid the feast of raptors shows no sign of abating. The series of photographs below were provided courtesy of a very friendly and co-operative Brown Falcon, spotted near Picnic Point, Cairn Curran Reservoir. They highlight some of the nice diagnostic features of what is probably our most widespread and common local raptor – the distinctive moustachial stripe, prominent wing barring and mottled underparts. Despite its relative abundance I am very fond of this species.

Brown Falcon near Picnic Point, 13th February 2012.

The same individual moments earlier in level flight.

This one was being extremely co-operative for the photographer!