Grey Falcon - a new Toowoomba bird

How many species can we collectively record during 2008? Can we better the past two years? Can we reach 250?? Same rules as previous years. Good luck!

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Mick Atzeni
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Grey Falcon - a new Toowoomba bird

Post by Mick Atzeni »

Michael Wood and I had the very good fortune to observe a Grey Falcon flying over "Birdwood Sanctuary" just west of Gowrie Junction yesterday. This was a first for me and only Michael's second record. Such a good feeling seeing such a crippler in the Toowoomba area after failing to pick one up in far more likely places further inland over the last 30-odd years.

A rare bird report was submitted yesterday and the record has now been duly accepted by the TBO Rarities Committee today. Further details will be published in the monthly newsletter.

While not the first record in the survey area - Pat McConnell and Rod Hobson have had single sightings in the past at Helidon and Mt Table Top, respectively - this is the first sighting since the rules were amended a few years ago for including new species on the official TBO list.

Just to clarify this, previously, at least two members had to have seen the same bird and agreed on the ID, a Rare/Unusual Bird report had to be submitted, and the final decision rested with the Records Officer.

Now all new bird submissions, and any others the Records Officer requires a second opinion on, go to the Rarities Committee for review. The observer can be unaccompanied at the time of the sighting, and does not necessarily have to be a TBO member, for the record to be accepted.

Cheers
Michael Atzeni
7 Woden St, Murphys Creek 4352
Mob: 0499 395 485
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