A Pacific Baza had recently been observed at Sydney Park, so I made a visit to see if I could find it. I had seen one there back in 2022, and they do not often visit the Inner West.
I was fortunate to find the Pacific Baza without too much trouble. All I had to do was walk around and listen for the kerfuffle caused by Noisy Miners and other birds that have an aversion to Pacific Bazas.
But on the walk, looking and listening, I also spotted some other nice visitors to the Park – three Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos. One was watching while the other two were feasting on Banksia –
Then over near the depot, was the Pacific Baza. The rufous chest suggest it is a juvenile.
Here is being harassed by swooping Noisy Miners.
It was hunting in the trees for phasmids, grubs and frogs. It was perch, look around then fly to grab its prey and then perch an eat. It was always on the guard for attack by the other birds.
I sent a text to Michael, another bird photographer, who works close to the Park, letting him know the Baza was around. He later came down with his camera. It was good to have second pair of eyes to see where the Baza flew.
It requires some patience and alertful watching to get some good flight shots.
Here is has part of a frog –
And here it has a caterpillar –
It’s very nice to see a bird like this in my local area. I hope it stays for a while.