An encounter with an Australian Hobby
A few days ago I was visiting our local Post Office near the centre of the Murray Bridge CBD. I was there to post a few Christmas letters.
As I parked the car I was aware of the call of a bird of prey somewhere nearby.
Within seconds I had no less than three Australian Hobbies soaring around overhead. The Australian Hobby is also known as the Little Falcon. One flew off while the other two perched on power lines nearby, one only about forty metres away. I quickly whipped out my binoculars for a better look. Sadly I didn’t have my camera with me.
I’ve observed these birds on many occasions in and near the CBD of our town. One day I need to take the camera with me and track them down until I manage a good photo or two. As I watched two of the birds appeared to be begging for food, which indicates they could be juveniles. As I watched one soaring near the railway station and House Sparrow flew past and the Hobby took off after it at speed. Its acceleration was amazing, but its tactical flying skills still need some refinement as it missed its prey.
It was great to see such magnificent hunters right in the middle of the city.
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Still on the must see list for me. Count your lucky stars! My first encounter with these birds was through Life of Birds by David Attenborough. I will be hunting for them next time I head south…
It is indeed a great bird – one of those we can tend to take for granted. In my opinion it is right up there with its cousin, the Peregrine, but with none of the media hype.