Dear Birders
After reading yet another incredible bunch of sightings on Birdline from
the East Maitland Tip on April 17, I had to chuck a sickie to check it
out; that's once I noticed it pop up on BL. I got up here at 12pm and was
simply gob-smacked. I was greeted by the friendliest council staff who
warmly welcomed me as I had to dump some household rubbish of steak strips
and chicken carcasses (you know how it is, I sneak into anywhere). I was
glad as the meat was really starting to reek by the time I got there from
work. Once I threw the big black bags and opened them it was like a scene
from Hitchcock's "The birds". I was almost swooped by dozens of the Black
Kites, in fact I counted at least 162 and another 97 circling at the
southern end of the tip. There were also 6 Spotted Harriers, 12 Swamp
Harriers, 32 Whistling Kites, 14 White-bellied Sea Eagles and 5
Wedge-tailed Eagles all queueing up to have a go at my offal - they showed
no fear and I was getting a little nervous with all the attention I was
receiving from other people like the crazy old pigeon lady. Sadly, I was
forbidden to take my camera out so I simply had to enjoy this wild
encounter with such an extreme number of raptors. The Black Falcons were
eating bits of strip steak I was throwing high in the air and every now
and then I would swear I was seeing what looked like a Grey Falcon - don't
know, that would be too unbelievable now wouldn't it? I did see 21
Black-shouldered Kites too, but at least two had a very interesting black
line on both leading wing edges, which makes me think they were
Letter-winged Kites. The place was going off. I was really disappointed
that I was unable to take any photos of my most incredible encounter. When
I left the site I waved at the friendly council man who was so kind to let
me in and I am now driving all the way back to Penrith shaking from
excitement.
Best wishes
Akos L. :)
--
Ákos Lumnitzer
http://www.amatteroflight.com
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