Raptors of the Maroochy River Canelands

Peregrine Falcon

The sugar cane flatlands in the vicinity of the Maroochy River on the Sunshine Coast have proven to be a magnet for various species of diurnal raptor. They are attracted to waterbirds and rats inhabiting the wetlands and grasslands in the area. This adult female Peregrine Falcon has been a regular visitor in recent weeks.

Peregrine Falcon

I've watched the falcon hunting Purple Swamphen and Pacific Golden Plover. Flocks of Red-kneed Dotterel and Black-fronted Dotterel presently in the area appear to be in a constant state of alertness, presumably due to the presence of this and other raptors.

Peregrine Falcon

Peregrines can be difficult to photograph but this bird has been co-operative.

Mt Coolum

The bird is likely one of a pair which has been nesting on the cliffs of the south-western slopes of nearby Mt Coolum, pictured here from where the falcon was photographed. There has been some controversy recently about whether the activities of rock climbers may be interfering with the birds' nesting.

Australian Hobby

Australian Hobby is a regular visitor, often perching on roadside telegraph poles.

Brown Falcon

Today I had this Brown Falcon near Bli Bli. The species is an infrequent visitor to the area.

Brown Falcon

Nankeen Kestrel

Nankeen Kestrel is somewhat more common. I saw three today.

Spotted Harrier

Spotted Harrier is a resident of the canelands. Although regarded as a rare visitor to coastal south-east Queensland, I see them on most visits to the area in all plumage phases and at all times of the year. I saw two birds today.

Swamp Harrier

With the cooler months here, Swamp Harriers are about in numbers; they are a winter visitor to south-east Queensland. I saw 3 today in the Maroochy River area. Often the two harrier species are seen quartering the grasslands in close proximity to each other.

Grey Goshawk

Grey Goshawk continues to be a regular visitor to the grasslands, often perching conspicuously in the open. By contrast, Brown Goshawk and Collared Sparrowhawk are less frequent visitors that keep to cover, never perching in the open.

Black Kite

Black Kite is one of several predominantly western species that have invaded south-east Queensland in recent weeks. The kite is presently one of the most numerous raptors about the Sunshine Coast, including the Maroochy River canelands, where today I saw several. I have seen up to 20 together near Nambour in recent days.

Black-shouldered Kite

Black-shouldered Kite is the most numerous raptor in the canelands, where several pairs nest annually. Today I saw 8 birds.

White-bellied Sea-Eagle

Three White-bellied Sea-Eagles were seen today. They often feed over the grasslands as well as along the river.