Eight Black Kites - Cranley, Toowoomba, 23/12/12

In the middle of the day today I was driving home on the back roads from Toowoomba in the area of Cranley, and I spotted numerous birds of prey on the powerlines and also circling above a road-kill hare.  I pulled over to have a better look and could count up to 8 birds in the vicinity of 100m.  Of course I didn't have my camera with me, so I drove home and decided to grab the camera and go back. Now usually this is where the story would end, however when I returned to the location the birds were still there!!  It was rather glary being the middle of the day and the birds moved quite swiftly while in the air, but I managed a few shots, enough to identify them anyway I believe.  Brendon did the research and decided that they are definitely Black Kites.  Their fork-tails were prominent while flying.   A great sight for the end of a great birding year.  J.G.


 
4 Black Kites in one photo - but I could see up to 8 at the location.

 

Comments

  1. I saw these yesterday too. I was dumping a load of greenwaste at the Bedford St tip around 4.30pm and there must have been at least 20 of them circling and riding the easterly breeze. It was wonderful to watch.

    Paul - Gardenworx Toowoomba

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    1. That's great Paul. I couldn't believe that I saw eight together, let alone 20 like you saw. I wonder if it is just a good area to "hang around" for food? I have seen many types of birds of prey on the Old-Goombungee Road over the years, but never a large group like this. Judi.

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  2. A great find and some super photographs too.

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    1. Thanks Russell, I was so glad that they were still in the location after going home to fetch the camera! I could have stayed and watched them for ages. Judi.

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  3. Wow excellent post ever seen. really its informative.

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