Australian Hobby

[CMunzel]

On my way to work across the plains, I was pleased to get some photographs of this little raptor, an Australian Hobby, with signs of some successful hunting on its feet and beak. We’ve had a wet year with exceptional growth in living things. 

[Clicker]

Another  great catch ...( could be what it was thinking too !   ).  It  looks very similar to our smallest falcon, the Merlin . I have one that regularly visits our Magnolia Tree... to snatch it's breakfast  ( usually a robin or bluetit ) but it's so fast I have only managed to shoot it twice in flight ... as a blur !

[CMunzel]

Ha ha.I did read that this bird was named after the English Hobby though this one is faster. Sounds like your Merlin isa different raptor again. 

[Fogey]

A cracking photograph.

I seem to remember reading these raptors do very well predating on Swifts and Swallows.

Edited September 24, 2021 by Fogey

[Paul]

Raptors in the wild are wonderful to see.

Paul.

[Kobione]

Nice catch Cheryl!

[CMunzel]

On 24/09/2021 at 23:11, Paul said:

Raptors in the wild are wonderful to see.

Paul.

So true, Paul. Fortunately for me, quite a lot of species of raptors live on the plains where I travel weekly. Of course, getting close enough to get good photos is challenging. 

[Ryewolf]

Great shot Cherly.

On 27/09/2021 at 10:41, CMunzel said:

getting close enough to get good photos is challenging.

Very true