Birds of prey flocking to cities to escape drought, data shows

By Shelley Lloyd

Posted Tue at 3:43am

Eagles, hawks and other large birds of prey are flocking to cities and towns, with the drought forcing them out of the parched countryside, bird watchers say.

Data compiled by Birdlife Australia from citizen scientists has revealed large numbers of birds of prey are moving into urban areas.

Figures from past the four years of the Aussie Bird Count revealed 27 of Australia's 34 raptor species have been spotted in capital cities.

Birdlife Australia's Sean Dooley said nearly all raptor species are on the decline in rural area across most of Australia.

"You wouldn't think of eagles, hawks and owls as being suburban birds but they certain do occur and they're being attracted into cities looking for food," he said.

"The cities can offer raptors rich pickings … what we are seeing is more inland raptors, like barn owls and even black-shouldered kites coming towards coastal and city areas in search of water and food."

He said last year, a very rare forest owl decided to roost in the pulpit of a church in Toowoomba.

"Masked owls sometimes roost in caves and this owl had decided that the church pulpit looked very much like a cave and took up residence … you just never know what will turn up," Mr Dooley said.

"Famously there are the peregrine falcons that nest in the skyscrapers in Collins Street in Melbourne and there are thousands of people around the world watching them on web cameras."

Continued