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Gooday all,
On the 28 August 2002 I was returning from Newlands Mine on a
train and came across a Wedge-tailed Eagle feeding on a Wallaby carcass between
the track.
Time was 1850 and relatively dark with the Moon in the last
quarter. This is the first time I have observed a Wedge-tailed Eagle feeding at
night.
HANZAB Vol 2 Pg 168 Food Behaviour states "observed to feed on
carcass of kangaroo on moonlit night."
As we approached the bird flew and perched in a dead tree
close by to the carcass, possibly to return and resume its feeding after we had
passed?
I must also comment on the high concentration of Wedge-tailed
Eagles on the Abbot Point Road just North of Bowen Qld. This road is some 15 Km
long and provides much carrion to the current population. Also the Pring to
Newlands line 143Km provides us with many opportunities to observe these
majestic birds.
I am aware of three bird strikes involving Wedge-tailed Eagles
with locomotives so far this year. The main problem seems to be when a group of
Eagles feed on carrion the last remaining bird seems to be dominant refusing to
release the prey regardless of the approaching locomotive.
Jon Wren
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