A Little Raven was digging persistently beside the Main Yarra Trail
at Banyule Flats Reserve, close to the Yarra. It was often disturbed by
cyclists and walkers but kept coming back. Its head disappeared at times
into the excavation and I saw it fly off with something in its beak -
probably to a nest on the far bank. It returned and resumed digging. I
was intrigued, and having passed the scene, came back slowly after five
minutes or so with camera at the ready. I was able to approach
gradually and get photos as the Raven raised its head holding its prey.
Not a great photo at all, but it does show that the bird was not digging
out curl-grubs but larger prey - a very young almost bald mammal. I
believe it is a Rabbit kitten. It is longer than the raven's beak (I
wish I could find figures for beak-length!) and has two pairs of legs
(front and back), and no visible tail.
Rabbits are very numerous in the area (I saw about a dozen that
morning, one quite close to my observation). Female Rabbits are said to
leave their new-born young in very shallow burrows away some way fro a
main warren. They feed their litter only about once a day.
I am wondering how the Raven found the Rabbit's nest - observing
disturbed soil, or by sound or even smell.
I can't attach the photo but if anyone is interested I will send it.
Anthea Fleming
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