For those interested in seeing the Flock Pigeons in the Cunnamulla
district. Having arrived back yesterday from seeing them on Friday (16th) they
are still easy to locate, being observed 50km out on the Charleville road over
4000 birds. On the Bourke road feeding (2000+) on the road edge, good close up
observations and on the St George road (50+). I never expected to have them so
close I didn't need binoculars.
I was interested to note the interaction between the Flock Pigeon, Black
Falcons and Spotted Harriers. On the approach of Black Falcons towards the
flock they would twist and turn before dropping to the ground from full flight
usually at high speed. The Spotted Harrier would then approach were the flock
had landed and then made numerous drops into the thick grass, until the flock
flushed. Then the process was repeated with the Black Falcon. Even though I
observed this at least a dozen times over and hour, I never observed any
pigeons taken by either bird of prey.
The pigeons were nervous especially when approaching the waterhole and
would make numerous passes before coming into drink, with many of the birds
actually landing in the water with bill open taking a gulp of water before
taking off, this all happen as other birds whirled overhead and others landed
on the bank before moving down to drink. Overall it appear to be very confusing
and no doubt would appear so to a bird of prey.
Besides the Flock Pigeons there was large numbers of Little button-quail
and Stubble Quail which would explain the large number of raptures (and maybe
explains why the lack of raptures around Parkes), besides the two species
mentions there was Nankeen Kestrels, Black Kites, Brown Falcons,
Black-shouldered Kites. I was surprised at the number of raptures killed by
the road.
A trip on the Thargomindah road was also worth while with large numbers
of Zebra Finch and I mean thousands of flocks, the most I have ever seen in a
small area. Having Bourke Parrots and Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush feeding on
the side of the road way was and added bonus as were the Plum-headed Finches.
Overall it was worth the 680km drive from Parkes
.
Neville W. Schrader OAM
2 Elizabeth St.,
Parkes NSW 2870
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