It’s not every day I instantly know for certain that the bird I’m looking at is a female Brown Goshawk.
Canon 5DIII, Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 II USM
1/1000, f/8.0, ISO 200
Anyone who has ever tried to identify between a Brown Goshawk and a Collared Sparrowhawk will understand the usual dilemma. On birding sites people often post an image and ask which of the two species it shows, and then the fun begins. There can be dozens of comments disagreeing with each other about the glare versus the stare, the length of the second toe (I kid you not), the skinniness of the legs, the size of the head, the sternness of the look, the heaviness of the brow ridge, the notch or lack of a notch in the tail (which can be contentious and spark more comments about worn feathers and moulting rectrices).
My brilliance in instantly identifying this bird has nothing to do with me and everything to do with Nalini who runs the Boobook Wildlife Shelter, which you may remember from the recent Tawny Frogmouth Babies post.
This magnificent goshawk was brought to the shelter when it was seriously underweight and with a large swelling on the side of its face. At first glance Nalini and the vet thought it was a tumour but further investigation showed that the bird was suffering from Trichomoniasis which is a parasitic disease caused by Trichomonas gallinae. The disease mainly affects pigeons but can be transmitted if a raptor eats an infected pigeon.
This lucky bird received the appropriate care and, after two weeks with Nalini, she was released earlier this week. She carefully surveyed her surroundings before flying to a nearby tree. It is always magical to release a bird and see them flying free.
Before I sign off did you notice the colours on the goshawk’s cere, bill, brow ridge and eye-ring? I was fascinated to see such exquisite blues and greens. On another level I was surprised to see the strange ‘node’ inside the goshawk’s nostril. I presumed it isn’t ‘a piece of its brain’ and asked my preparator friend (hi Fiona). She’s not entirely sure but mentioned tubercles and nasal conchae. She may think of something else when she’s not disturbed close to midnight with one of the world’s craziest questions.
Happy birding
Kim
~ Facebook page Kim Wormald – lirralirra
~ Facebook group Ethical Bird Photography
Yes, it’s a real shame the Peregrine Falcon chicks in the city can’t be treated for Trichomoniasis. Three died in the last two years, a fact that dismays many carers.
Unfortunately, Trich. is apparently more prevalent in cities and during drought.
‘Let nature do as nature does’ can be a very harsh reality. Great to see Nalini’s care has had a good outcome here.
That’s very sad about the Peregrine chicks, what a shame, especially when it’s an issue caused by humans.
Can’t stand Pidgeon’s,flying rats
Fantastic photo Kim, great detail of a beautiful bird 😊
Amazing photo, I love to see all birds close up and especially a goshawk! I’ve been seeing a pair of raptors for months that just don’t get close enough but luckily I got some good identifying shots and they were ID on the Aus bird ID page as goshawks, which was a big surprise to me, as I live in a sea side urban area.
I love to see the close ups too Donna, photography is perfect for that isn’t it. I’m imagining your goshawk on the ABID page getting lots of comments about glares and stares, and toes and tails!
Beautiful colouring. So wonderful to see the closeup.
Thank you Carolyn. I was staggered to see the beautiful colours, mesmerised. I’m glad you like it too, Kim
Awe and wonder. I did notice those incredible colours and am so very glad that this bird can again fly triumphantly free. Huge thanks to Nalini – and I LOVE her calendar which graces the wall of the room I am currently sitting in.
PS: A friend you can bother with questions at that hour is a friend indeed.
Definitely huge thanks to Nalini, she’s awesome. And Fiona is definitely a good friend to answer a question like that in the middle of the night!
A spectacular photo Kim, and an amazing story of recovery.
Thanks heaps Harry! Really amazing recovery, a very lucky bird.
Wow this is one incredible photo! Such an intense look so beautifully captured. Well done and thank you to Nalini for rehabilitating this amazing bird!
So funny about the fights over identifying raptors! Bird nerds!
I can’t believe I didn’t see any of these comments until today! Big thanks to Nalini for sure.