On an early morning walk at Dobroyd Head in Sydney Harbour, I spotted this beautiful falcon:

The bird sat quietly on a bare branch, observing the world from on high. I think it’s a Peregrine Falcon. My other choice would be an Australian Hobby, but the lighter-coloured collar doesn’t curve upwards as much as I’d expect in an Australian Hobby:

On the other hand, adult Peregrine Falcons in this area of Australia have a white collar. This bird’s collar is buff-coloured. It could be a juvenile bird, or it could be one of the buff-fronted form of Peregrine Falcon strayed all the way from Western Australia.

Both Peregrine Falcons and Australian Hobbies are uncommon, though widely distributed. The Peregrine Falcons are more rare than the Australian Hobbies.

Here’s another view of the falcon. Let me know if you think it’s an Australian Hobby rather than a Peregrine Falcon:

The bird was far away from me. Here’s a picture using less of my camera’s zoom. The falcon is perched on the bare tree to the right. To the left is another bird, most likely a Noisy Miner:

Birds of prey in Australia are often accompanied by a minder — another bird, usually a Noisy Miner, ready to sound the alarm if the hunter looks likely to hunt. This falcon was so peaceful that even the Noisy Miners were quiet!

Common name: Peregrine Falcon
Scientific name: Falco peregrinus
Approximate length: 35-50 cm; wing span 85-100 cm
Date spotted: 27 November 2022 (spring)
Location: Dobroyd Head, Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, Australia: 33°48’35.5″S 151°16’27.5″E