Found this bird on our property (I think it is a Pacific baza) would appreciate if someone could give a positive ID. There is a pair of them.
Until today I had no idea that the Pacific baza ate stick insects and that they form a large part of their diet. At first observation I thought what a clumsy bird until I realised that he/she was intentionally flying into the leaves and branches to catch the praying mantis.
Sorry for the poor quality photos!!!
Thanks, Jackie
South Maroota (Hawkesbury area)
definitely a Pacific Baza aka Crested Hawk. You are very lucky to have these on your property. They are not usually perturbed by humans as much as other raptors.
I regularly visit a nesting site at the back of a friend's place in Lapstone each December / January.
Keep your eyes open.....
Thank you Akos!! By the way...can't beleive that you discovered the Pygmy pipehorse and that it is named after you!! How awesome, you're a legend ;0) Love your work!!
Hi Jackie.
You just made me blush and sink deep into my chair.........
I am quite green that you had a baza in your yard...... they are such wonderful hawks. I have a few shots from Lapstone if you want to see...
http://amatteroflight.com/gallery2/v/ausbirds/hawks/pcfbaz/
I love this bird and love seeing pics of them, but have never seen the babies before. I have a pair that have lived around here for many years (I guess more than one generation) and love seeing them fly over, though they do upset all the other birds.
Karen
Brisbane southside.
Seriously, how sweet lol
Thank you for the link.
I looked at your photos yesterday for conformation. (I am always on your site......love your photography)
You know just around the corner from me (maybe a little further) is Longneck Lagoon and the "bends"(coming out of Pitt Town) as I call them where there is a vast wetlands area. There are always BOP's hovering in the sky. Have you ever done any photography there??
Cheers, Jackie
No more blushing, but I do appreciate your more than kind words.
Yes, Mitchell Park is up there and my fave spotlighting site. If you have a flash you should join me (us) sometime. Have done a bit around Longneck and Pitt Town Lagoon. PTL is awesome if there's a drought inland. Not so good nowadays, but you'll see HEAPS of raptors around. I could generally see Swamp Harriers, Brown Goshawks, Little Falcons, Aus Kestrels, Black-shouldered Kite and White-bellied Sea Eagles as well as Whistling Kite. Not necessarily all at once though. I am a bit green as you live in an AWESOME bird area.
To think I used to live right near Mitchell Park before I was interested in birds and only now I find out how good it is!
Cheers, Owen.
Hi Owen, before I moved to South Maroota I used to do all the walks in Mitchell Park. I haven't been for a while, I think it has been let go now...a bit overgrown with weeds (so I have heard)
What area are you in now??
Jackie ;0)
I lived in Glenorie which I'm sure you've heard of.
Now I'm in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
Cheers, Owen.