spotted harrier

["Philip Veerman" <>]

If all the data has gone into COG records this would be easy but if not I encourage this to be done. (Not me as I haven't observed one for a few years). As I wrote before, it would be nice to assemble all the local recent reports of spotted harrier in to a spreadsheet to get an idea of how many birds are involved. Also apparent age of plumage state of the birds. Surely many are repeat sightings of the one bird but likely not all. If not breeding season of a peregrinating (i.e. wandering) species, I think it would be hard to define a likely size of territory. 

 

Philip

 

-----Original Message-----
From: martin butterfield [
Sent: Saturday, 30 March 2013 12:21 PM
To: Graham Stephinson
Cc: canberrabirds chatline
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] attention Martin

Thanks Steve.  The Kites are indeed back, but not in the huge flock of up to 16 birds that was here a year ago.  

The Harrier sighting is particularly interesting as it is a about 1km West of the usual sighting area.  There has been some discussion among the locals as to how many we have round here and that will add further to the debate.

Dies anyone have an estimate of the likely size of territory of Spotted harrier?  My reading seems to suggest it is determined by food availability.

Martin

On 30 March 2013 12:10, Graham Stephinson <> wrote:

Martin - seen in your vicinity -
1 - I note that the black-shouldered kites are back in the Carwoola / Foxlow area.
   - been seeing them as I drive into town, usually closer to Foxlow stud shed & yards.
2 - At Wed.27th. saw spotted harrier rise up from grass in paddock north of (adjoining)
   Carwoola woolshed.  Same day great view of BS kite on hawthorn bush back towards C/Flat.

Had my camera ready for such events but found it had been turn on o'night - flat battery !!

Steve.