Someone recently said, "The photos are crappy but I don't care " and I almost felt the same this morning. The bird was in the tree for quite a while but the sun was almost opposite me. I started taking photographs as I tried to creep up closer but it was having none of it. Once I saw the bird relieve itself I knew it was going to take off. Pretty sure this is a Pacific Baza.
As I said crap photos but a first.
affirmative
Absolutely! Good job, such an exciting bird to see
Yeah definetly a pacific baza aka crested hawk. I took some good photos not long ago of one myself, will post soon in other thread
Link to my Flickr Account
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14869355@N07/
Nice Reflex, that dead tree is a goldmine for birds.
Nice find! How many different BOP's have you seen on that tree?
Let's see, Pacific Baza, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Spotted Harrier, Grey Goshawk and Black-Shouldered Kite.
I did spot another bird of prey that I couldn't identify one morning, really early and at the time I didn't have a camera with me.
It is also a regular spot for Pale-Headed Rosellas and Dollarbirds at certain times of the year, not to forget the odd Pheasant Coucal.
It certainly show how important a role even dead trees contribute towards our wildlife. Ten years ago I almost chopped it down for some firewood.
Samford Valley Qld.
It makes me think Reflex, if those birds of prey are in it during the day, what birds of prey use it at night?
Could make for some good owl photos. Maybe even a Powerful Owl
That's scarey! I was thinking exactly the same thing.
Samford Valley Qld.
LOL
We should check it out.
Better Beamers and flashes to the ready!!
You're right on the money about the value of dead trees. Even those without hollows serve as lookouts, refuges for borers & bugs, nest sites for Tawny Frogmouths & perching places on which to loaf or from which to hunt for prey. It's nice that you spared your axe.
That's true Woko. I just happened to look out of the kitchen window this morning and spotted a Black-shouldered Kite in the tree.
Initially I decided not to go down but ten minutes later it was still there so I tried to sneak up on it. Unfortunately I only managed one decent shot before it gave in to a very persistent Magpie-Lark that was pestering the Kite to move on.
Samford Valley Qld.