David McDonald wrote:
A sad story from our area in 1897:
‘News jottings’, the Australasian Pastoralists’ Review: a monthly journal and record of all matters affecting the Pastoral and Landed Interests throughout Australasia, No. 8, October 15, 1897, vol. VII,
https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-540335160/view?sectionId=nla.obj-556199855
With reference to the alleged depredations of foxes in the Goulburn and Bywong districts (N.S.W,) a correspondent is of opinion that the sheep are being killed by eaglehawks. He states that he used strychnine
with the result that within a few days no fewer than fifteen hawks, some larger than a turkey, were found dead in different parts of the run. The strychnine should be placed on the paws, neck and shoulders of the carcase used, as these portions are always
eaten first.
Fraser & Gray remind us that ‘Eaglehawk’ is the old name for the Wedge-tailed Eagle.
Best wishes - David
Ah yes, persecution of eagles has a long and sordid history. A 1959 catalogue from Mick Smith’s Sports Store, Sydney carries an advertisement for 12 gauge shotgun flares
recommended as essential accoutrements for professional fishing operators and useful to graziers as a quick way to destroy eagles’ nests. I’d say they would have been a quick way to destroy quite a bit more if anyone was stupid enough to fire them during very
hot weather when volatile gases were wafting around the crowns of eucalyptus trees.
John Layton
Holt.
