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Hi Birders,
I have two comments about the sighting of a Grey
Falcon and a possibly a nest on a tower near Alroy Downs, NT as reported by
Trevor Quested, on 25 June and then commented upon about the wisdom of
mentioning the possibility of a nest site by Andrew on 22 July 2003.
On 18 May 2003 Robin Benson and I passed this tower
near Alroy Downs and on this occasion there was no Grey Falcon but there was a
Peregrine Falcon that flew from the tower and harassed a Kestrel, while a
Spotted Harrier was also seen close to the base of the tower. Peregrine's nest
on a similar tower on the Central Coast adjacent to some coastal cliffs where
presumably they used to nest but now prefer the tower.
I for one am not adverse to mentioning nesting
sites of raptors where, as on a tower or a huge cliff face, they are not likely
to be disturbed or harassed by humans. Vulnerable nest sites are another matter.
The more people in a community that know that they have an uncommon or
rare raptor ie Sea Eagle's or Peregrine's or Osprey's nest in their area the
more support there is to protect the nesting site and give greater protection
from those who want to take the eggs or plan a development nearby that might
disturb or destroy the site.
Alan Morris
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