Interesting, John. The short answer so far as this
chatline is concerned (from a glance at the archive) is: reports in last
12 months from northern Florey; Kaleen; Page; Sullivan’s
Creek. Perhaps ‘normal, for a given year.
What may be more interesting is the pattern of movement.
Brown Goshawks are probably better represented in the reserves. It seems
sparrowhawks are more often seen than goshawks in the suburbs, except those
bordering wooded reserves. I think outside the breeding season goshawks
drift off in search of food, but some sparrowhawks, with different prey
requirements, can survive in suburb-based territories. Alternatively,
wandering sparrowhawks or perhaps young of the previous year, may be just more
likely to be seen trying their luck in the suburbs.
As to whether life was meant to be easy, different views have
been expressed:
From: John Layton
[
Sent: Friday, 14 August 2009 9:09 AM
To: Canberrabirds
Subject: [canberrabirds] CollaredSparrowhawks anyone?
Has anyone seen Collared Sparrowhawks round the Canberra
burbs of late? Used to see them a couple of times a year in the Holt yard
and was always amazed by how trusting these little hunters were, tolerated a
really close approach. Often perched very close to houses too. But alas,
nary a one for about three years.
And last year no Silvereyes came by, but
happily, yesterday morning there was a group of ~ 6 gleaning among almond
blossoms. Used to be some interest/excitement when we identified the
southern Victorian and Tasmanian race, but the ones seen this morning were
Canberra birds. I know because one mentioned they were having a flex day.
The flowering plums outside my bedroom window are about to burst into blossom.
These are usually a big Silvereye drop-in centre, and I can lie in bed and
watch them. See Big Mal got it wrong, life was meant to be easy.
