We were surprised and pleased to see a nankeen kestrel at Victoria Park in Ballarat. Is this a rare sighting?
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J.B. & R.A., Ballarat West.
NUMBERS UP: At present nankeen kestral numbers are up.
The nankeen kestrel is uncommon in Ballarat, although it visits grassy paddocks and similar open places on the edge of the city, such as Wendouree, Sebastopol and Delacombe. Sightings in Victoria Park are uncommon.
Nankeen kestrels are fairly common in the Ballarat district at present and now outnumber the black-shouldered kite. Open farmland north and west of Ballarat is particularly favoured.
Kestrel numbers vary from season to season and year to year.
Their small size, long tail, orange-brown back and hovering habit all combine to identify them.
- Questions and photos are welcome. Send to Roger Thomas at The Courier, PO Box 21, Ballarat, 3353, or email to rthomas@vic.australis.com.au
