A young Sparrowhawk; second photo gives better view of tail, and the centre toe/talon was long which is another diagnostic feature. The bird had some foliage (Pittosporum) tangled in one foot though the bird appeared uninjured, just slightly encumbered. Maybe it got tangled trying to catch prey. By the time we parted company (after the bird flew to several trees with me following) the foliage seemed to have come off. The Sparrowhawk had left the last tree by the time I returned to it half an hour later.
Jackie, I have now added a second photo and some notes to better explain the sighting. Last night's posting was hurried and I did not have time for this additional material.
I have now posted a third photo in the series, this one was the sharpest and gives a little more info about the Sparrowhawk. It was a fortunate sighting, being able to follow the raptor at close range and get a number of images.
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