ML644428939

Observation details

Two birds flew towards me parallel to the road; initial impression was that they were two screamers due to very large size and overall gray colouration, before adult veered and perched atop telephone pole, while juvenile landed in long grass and was concealed. (I wasn’t initially aware the second bird was a juvenile as it was only briefly seen before going to ground). Adult features: Massive; all gray with white and black tail stripes (although number of both not apparent while perched). Bird began to call loudly and second bird also began to call. I managed to make a short recording of the adult (although it was flawed as I was excited and talked through some of it. I’ll upload it regardless. Also, Merlin SoundID eventually suggested greater black hawk which it clearly is not). Yellow beak. Crest only noted when it turned its head. Juvenile: again, only briefly seen until bird flew up to join adult on nearby utility pole. It was also greyish on back and head, similar to adult, but underside was a mix of white and blackish. Poor camera photos also uploaded.