today at the WTP, I saw countless BOP, this one was too far away to get a good photo, but I know someone will let me know in 2 seconds what it is.
Not sure if No1 is the same bird as 2 & 3 ? There were so many, I just went: look here, look there.
excuse the poor quality
Pic one is a brown falcon and pic three looks like a spotted harrier.
Thats a good days spotting Araminta, BOP really lift your spirits when birding.
Thanks Headsie, I have never seen that many BOP in one day, they were everywhere. We talked to a guy that heard, many of them could be starving, as there is not enough food to support all of them. Have you heard that before? Could that be true?
M-L
I dont know how true it would be, BOP can cover large distances but I have never heard of them starving. If there are plenty of mice, lizards, other birds and insects then there is food available. I would expect them to spread out if food was scarce not congregate. The only time I see plenty of BOP in the one area is when there is plenty of food.
I love your Spotted Harrier shot Marie-Louise! Just stunning. Wish I could get one that close. We get them occasionally near my place but they are never close enough. Bummer
Thanks Akos, I wish I was closer!LOL There were two of them , never got close enough to get a better photo, and it was very foggy. Next time??
M-L
I agree with Headsie. The fact that there are so many raptors attracted to the WTP suggests there's lots of food there. Otherwise, why would they bother? It's the same with humans & restaurants.
I agree large numbers of birds means Food.
The Wildlife wants our wastes . The Australia country side is not that fertile and Man is the main waste producer . Our faeces and scraps sustain vast communities of animals and plants that influence the ecosystems.
Water is good for the long grass to grow, grass turns to seed . Food for the mice and grasshoppers. Which harriers and kites love.
You would like to think that by flushing the loo we have help these birds reach large numbers.
Hang on ! Is that not feeding the birds.
" Shit happens". Nightowl
See it! Hear it!
Mid-North Coast NSW