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 

4 comments:

mick said...

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

Denis Wilson said...

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

Tyto Tony said...

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.

Gouldiae said...

Definitely GUILTY!

Head up for dragonfly, head off for fish head . . .

One moment it's dragonfly trying to dance on White-bellied Sea-Eagle's head, the next it's all go for fisher's discarded fis...