Predators galore

[martin butterfield <>]

I have received a report of 2 Barn Owls seen last evening in hawthorns beside Plains rd Hoskinstown.  

A landowner in that area has reported a Black Falcon to me.  The colour was described as black rather than dark brown and the behaviour (very rapid flight, low to the ground, very aggressive to other birds) very different to the Brown Falcons in the area.  Also the wing shape was more pointed than the Brown.

This got me down to the Plain in short order but alas no Black Falcon to be seen.  However there were at least 9 Brown Falcons (mostly light phase) in a single paddock with 4 Nankeen Kestrels also in the vicinity.  The Brown Falcons were mainly engaged in hovering flight feeding on prey in the tallish grass.  An Australian Hobby was seen there later his afternoon.

Martin