More raptor sightings...

[morsla]

I had an interesting visitor this afternoon, which reminded me of this post from aeduna.

While sitting at the computer, a wattlebird crashed into the window behind me. As I watched it scramble to safety in the garden beds, I noticed what it had been fleeing from: a large bird of prey, watching from a nearby tree.

Unfortunately, it took off as soon as I produced a camera. After a quick look at Birds in Backyards, I think it may have been a Swamp Harrier. I haven't seen a raptor that big around here before.

The cat is a bit spooked, and rightly so - the harrier is bigger than her. I wonder if it's going to stay in the area, or if it'll move on.

Actually, I should probably go and check that all the ducks are accounted for. They were also acting a bit strangely this morning, and didn't want to come out from under the trees.

EDIT: All ducks present and accounted for. I guess the harrier must have found something else to eat.

Comments

[drwally.livejournal.com]

That is very cool, spotting hardcore preds. What suburb are you in?

[morsla.livejournal.com]

I'm in Somerville, right in the middle of the penninsula. I think the harriers come in from the wetlands over towards Western Port Bay, but I haven't seen them around here before.

[hespa.livejournal.com]

**has raptorlove**

I've seen them on Phillip Island - they are, indeed, very big birds. Beautiful, though, especially when you see them just hanging in the air.