While blitzing yesterday along the Murrumbidgee, N. of Pine Island, I also saw a pale morph Little Eagle, very likely the same bird Philip saw. It flew overhead when I was near Tuggeranong
Creek, at 10.55. I saw one in the same general area a couple of years ago.
Kevin
From: Philip Veerman [
Sent: Sunday, 25 October 2015 2:20 PM
To: 'Geoffrey Dabb' <>;
Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] a final blitz update and little eagles and grebes
I encountered one (adult light morph)
Little Eagle, less than 1 km from Lake Tuggeranong at about 12:50 today. First seen flying over me then I watched as it perched in a tree.
I have photos (including the bird) to make it easy to find the roost tree again. I continued my survey ramble after watching it perched for about 5 minutes. 10 minutes later it flew over me again and departed into the distance. As I returned it was not still
on the same perch, which supports that I saw the same bird twice (not 2 birds). I saw no sign of any partner nor of any nest. Although that does not remove the possibility.
I’ll send Geoffrey details of where, separately. Over the years I have occasionally seen the species at this location or sort of nearby.
Philip
A reminder that Jerry Olsen’s group is keen to have reports of any breeding Little Eagles for the purpose of long-term monitoring and the annual write-up. This year, we know about current activity of the Campbell
Park/Wetlands pair and the Uriarra/Strathnairn pair. Pairs seen elsewhere, or possible nests, will be of great interest and will be checked out. Jerry is also interested in any breeding in the ACT by the other medium soarers – Whistling Kite and harriers.
Information can be sent to me or Jerry –
Incidentally, re the blitz, I have a report of large numbers of Great Crested Grebes, possibly nesting, on Cotter Reservoir. Someone might be able pick these up, although it could involve a longish walk to
a suitable vantage point.
gd
