A Pacific Baza had been reported at Sydney Park. I saw a photo of it on a Facebook page, and thought it worth visiting the park to see if it was still around. They are rarely observed in the inner west.
When I arrived at the park, all was quiet. I had a look at the ponds to see what birds were around, and then had a look for the pair of Tawny Frogmouths that I had seen on previous visits. I could not spot them, but near where I was looking, I could hear some Noisy Miners kicking up a fuss. Perhaps the Pacific Baza was around? It was! It was moving around a fair bit, hunting for insects, its usual diet.
When it moved, I followed it and usually spotted it straight away. A few times, I had to listen out for the Noisy Miners.
It wouftsit on a perch for a while and look around. Then it would fly towards it prey and grab it.
During my visit, it seemed to be catching Preying Mantis.
It was mainly hunting in the trees near the depot and the farm area of the park.
Here it is flying in the south west corner of the park.
I had sent a text message to Michael from the Greenway Birdos, and he arrived and joined in the photography.
There were other birds at the park as well. Here are some –
Pacific Black Duck
Black Swan
Australasian Grebe
Hardheads
And here is a Noisy Miner having a bath –
