On the way we experienced a modest passage of raptors with NORTHERN GOSHAWK, EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK, COMMON (EASTERN) BUZZARD and, again after talking about a likely species, SHORT-TOED EAGLE. First calendar year STEPPE EAGLE, Ma Chang, 12 October 2013.Įlated, and buoyed by our seemingly potent ability to talk up species at will, we began to chat about all sorts of obviously impossible targets for the day such as SWINHOE’S RAIL, STREAKED REED WARBLER, CRESTED SHELDUCK and, of course, BAER’S POCHARD.Ī few minutes later we arrived at Yeyahu NR and, after a celebratory cup of coffee, made our way into the reserve and headed for the new watchtower. I grabbed my camera and reeled off a few shots before just enjoying the bird as it gained height and eventually drifted off west. As I looked through my binoculars, I could see a pale bar on the underwing and my heart raced – it looked like a first calendar year STEPPE EAGLE! We all jumped out of the car and it began to circle, offering us superb views with the sun behind us. I had seen GREATER SPOTTED EAGLE and IMPERIAL EAGLE at Wild Duck Lake before but never STEPPE. I should say at this point that, only a few minutes before, I was chatting to Jesper and Ben about the potential for a STEPPE EAGLE. I slammed on the brakes (not as dramatic as it sounds when you are only moving at about 5mph) and glanced through my binoculars. It offers an impressive vista over the entire reserve, and beyond, as well as providing a superb place from where to watch raptors.Īs we made our way out of Ma Chang along the unpaved access track I caught sight of a raptor to the north of us, gliding west. A couple of CHINESE GREY SHRIKES, a MERLIN, a few lingering juvenile AMUR FALCONS, some early BEAN GEESE and a flock of 23 MONGOLIAN LARKS kept us entertained at Ma Chang before we decided to hot-foot it over to Yeyahu Nature Reserve to spend some time at the new viewing tower. Consequently most of the viewing points that I have used in the past to observe the reservoir are no longer accessible, meaning that we had no opportunity to view the duck on the open water. On arrival, the water level at Guanting Reservoir was the highest I have ever seen. As usual with this site in October, expectations were high as I set off at 0445 to pick up Ben, then Jesper, before heading over the mountains past Badaling Great Wall and on to Ma Chang. While New South Wales does not currently have a declared duck season, hunters should still be aware of the recognised species if participating in the Native Game Bird Management Program.On Saturday 12 October I visited Wild Duck Lake (both Ma Chang and Yeyahu NR) with Jesper Hornskov and Ben Wielstra. Hardhead (please note, this species is not to be hunted in 2016)įor more information, please visit Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources.In South Australia, the following species are recognised as game: Common (Ring-neck) Pheasant (King Island only, restrictions apply)įor more information, visit Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment.
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