Australian Bird Of Prey - Identify Please?

[paulhillion]

Saw this fine looking bird as we were driving through the outback recently. I wanted to get the moon in the background and luckily he didn't fly off as I abandoned the car and crept slowly into a closer position.

I've packed my field guide away now and so I'm not sure if it's a Kestrel? Kite? ??

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v116/hillion/moonshot.jpg

20D/300 f/4L IS, hand held.

Thanks for any help.

[scnapper]

Nice pic Paul.

I would suggest a immature brown falcon (pale morph), kestrals have yellow feet so thats why I have sugested the falcon.

[Sindri Skulason]

Excellent shot. Can't help with the ID. Well done. :-)

[DaleP]

I'd say it's a Brown Falcon http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/finder/display.cfm?id=63

It's hard to tell without seeing it's back, but I feel safe suggesting it's a Brown.

Nice pic.

[paulhillion]

Cheers guys, yes I've had check and you're spot on, thanks for that!

[Anthony J Howe]

Beautiful shot of the Falcon, nice details.

[sugarzebra]

Great shot Paul of a beautiful raptor. Everything about it is appealing.

[paulhillion]

Thanks Scott, it's one of my favourites, I just love that blue sky!

Best wishes.

[dancad]

Very nice! This falcon looks mighty majestic perched up there. Ditto the sky!