Monday, May 30, 2011

Brown Goshawk found guilty

Suspected for some time Brown Goshawk (Accipiter fasciatus) might be behind gradual reduction in Wandering Whistling duckling numbers.


Evidence scant - apart from bird's sneaky flights across main lagoon - till today.


The bird popped up from within a fallen tree in a drying creek near the lookout.


See the blood? Though not quite a guilty look? Clincher: finding dead duckling under the tree. Case closed!        
Click pix to enlarge 

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4 comments:

  1. mickMay 30, 2011 at 5:14 PM

    A very clever piece of sleuthing and great photos to prove it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Denis WilsonMay 30, 2011 at 7:30 PM

    Oh, Tony
    Don't be too hard on it - its just learning.
    In the fulness of time I expect to see it perched with an adult Duck proudly held in its talons.
    Cheers
    Denis

    ReplyDelete
  3. Tyto TonyMay 31, 2011 at 3:46 PM

    Hi Mick: Thanks. Though Sherlock would have got there a bit quicker.

    Gidday Denis: Little Eagles - not much bigger than large BG - would have a go at an adult duck, but BGs lack their massive leg strength.

    ReplyDelete
  4. GouldiaeJune 1, 2011 at 6:56 AM

    Definitely GUILTY!

    ReplyDelete

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