On Monday, Don McVey asked for an ID of the raptor seen at the beginning of
the film "Rabbit-Proof Fence". Since we are just back from Australia 2 weeks
ago, I felt I had to step up to the challenge. I found that their raptors
can be difficult, but this one is easy - it's a Black Kite (Milvus migrans).
The long, slightly forked tail is a dead give-a-way, the long thin wings
with prominant black "fingers" and the tilting of the tail in flight confirm
the ID.

I'm still working on the trip report, hope to have it our soon. My milestone
bird for the trip was Musk Lorikeet - my 1,000th life bird.

Cheers,

Jack Stephens
jstephens62 at isomedia.com
Edmonds, WA