Hi all
Some twenty years ago, driving north in inland Queensland, we encountered a similar but larger aggregation of kestrels. There was a bird perched on every telephone pole for at least a few kms, and many more flying. The reason appeared to be a large number of locusts or other large grasshoppers, sufficiently thick in the air for us to need to stop the car and clear the windshield.
What I don’t recall is any “flocking” behaviour of the kestrels. There was simply a large number in a relatively small area.
Steve
From: Martin Butterfield [
Sent: Thursday, 9 January 2014 5:00 AM
To: Graham Stephinson
Cc: canberrabirds chatline
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] attention Martin
Steve
Many thanks for that observation. I have never seen that many Kestrels in a group and will include it in my report for the month. When up in our top paddock recently there were an enormous number of small grasshoppers around so possibly something similar is going on there.
On 8 January 2014 22:27, Graham Stephinson <> wrote:
Martin,
Late afternoon yesterday between Foxlow stockyards & Foxlow homestead I noted a flock of (perhaps?) 10
Kestrels.
Have never noted such a large number together in 50 years driving that road!! (Good heavens 50 years, I deserve a medal).
Often 3 or 4 perched on poles (or flying) between Foxlow H/stead & Briars/Sharrow road turn-off to Bungendore.
Good breeding season or birds from far & wide on feeding frenzy? Didn't note any insects about; didn't stop as keen to get
home to check Helen.
Have you noted more kestrels about of late?
Steve.
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Martin Butterfield
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