According to my bird book, Nankeen Kestrels are common in mainland Australia. Still, this is the first time I’ve spotted one. The bird has a distinctive light-coloured tail with dark tips to the tail feathers:

The bird was very far away, flying and diving above a valley in the Victorian Alps. For that reason, the photos aren’t great. But I do want to record the sighting!

Common name: Nankeen Kestrel
Scientific name: Falco cenchroides
Length: 30-35 cm; wing span: 60-80 cm
Date spotted: 27 December 2025 (summer)
Location: Blue Rag Range Track, Victoria, Australia: 37°06’13.4″S 147°04’00.4″E