Hypercarnivorous

Hypercarnivorous is a term to describe animals whose diet is over 70% meat and our Australian raptors or Birds of Prey fall into this category. Seeing a raptor up close is a rarity. The keen eyesight that makes them so effective at spotting prey at a distance also serves them well for detecting the approach of humans and thus avoiding them. So their sighting at close quarters is special.

One of the more common species in our district is the Brown Goshawk (Tachyspiza fasciata). It mainly preys on medium-sized birds and small mammals which is does by sitting still and then swooping when the prey gets close. This does not make them welcome neighbours so if you want to find where a Brown Goshawk is roosting just listen out for the commotion that other birds are making to scare it off.

Eric and Sue a top Murchison’s Gap have recently spotted a Brown Goshawk perched on a pole on their property, pictured above.

Coincidentally, closer to home a Brown Goshawk is nesting in a tree in the wetlands, pictured above. Knowing where the nest is obviously makes them easier to find. For the past few weeks the bird has been calling for a mate and last week it got a reply. Can’t wait to see what happens. The nest sits in a large River Red Gum and it is actively defended if one approaches.

Great for photography as long as you don’t abuse the privilege.