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A friend of mine was at Bemm River
caravan park this morning and told me of this, I think notable observation.
Bemm River is almost on the eastern Victorian coast,
SW of Cann River & W of Mallacoota. This morning (15 May) she observed a
Square-tailed Kite there, apparently for a long time, perched close by and
flying over and in good conditions. It was a first
for her but she took a good description of the relevant bits and the shape,
manner, etc and clear reasons why it wasn't anything else. She says she picked
it straight away as not being any of the more regular raptors. Her ID points
appear diagnostic to me and she is certain of the ID. Really this species is
quite distinctive. Having been out birding with her frequently, I am sure she
knows how to pick the species it was not (given a decent look).
However the reason I bother to post this message out is that
(apart from that she does not have a computer) is that the species is rarely
encountered (probably anywhere), unless one knows of particular individuals'
home ranges. There has been evidence that it moves to southern Australia during
the summer. The last time I saw this species (OK it was also only the
second time) was at Cann River, which is only about 25 km to the NE, in December
1993. Therefore an observation of it in mid-May (almost winter) would seem to be
notable. Maybe if you are near that part of the world, keep a look out for
it.
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