I did the (easter) trip from Canberra to Melbourne as a passenger of my neighbour on Thursday and return on Monday. There were no birding stops (indeed only a short stop) and he was a rather fast driver. Probably more raptors than I have encountered in recent years (several BsK, Brown Falcons, Little Eagles, Whistling Kites, Kestrels). Notable was a collection of about 30 Black Kites within about 2 km at about 10 km south of Chiltern. I have not encountered this species (as in at least 1), more often than I have encountered them, on many trips over 3 decades but not ever seen so many in that region before. This bit copied from the Birdline Victoria is consistent.
Black Kite Tungamah
Another large flock of Black Kites (55) seen circling over a stubble fire east of Tungamah. Four Black Falcons also seen with the kites.
Michael Ramsey
Black Kite Dookie
Black Kites have been lurking around Dookie for the last week but a flock of 46 circling over burning stubble this afternoon is the most I have seen here.
Michael Ramsey
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