Earlier this year I saw a pair of Black Falcons Falco subniger on a number of occasions, in the area around Rodborough Rd on the Moolort Plains. Despite numerous subsequent visits I hadn’t seen the birds since the 9th March, suspecting that they had moved on. Well they are back … or perhaps they have been around all along! This afternoon I got great views of a pair in exactly the same location as they had been observed previously. The Black Falcon is the largest Australian falcon, slightly larger than its more famous relative, the Peregrine.

Although they generally feed on small birds, it is not unusual for them to take larger prey such as ducks or herons. Just near where the birds were seen I discovered this partly devoured carcass of a Galah, atop a fence post. It was quite fresh, probably killed in the past day or so – I suspect that the Black Falcons had made a meal of the unfortunate Galah.

It is always a privilege to catch a glimpse of such an uncommon species. This afternoon I was fortunate to see this pair in a variety of poses: perched, soaring, gliding low and fast and performing a series of swoops and rolls. I can recommend a visit to the plains at the moment. This afternoon in addition to the Black Falcon and Whistling Kite, I listed Nankeen Kestrel, Brown Falcon, Black-shouldered Kite and Wedge-tailed Eagle.

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Geoff Park