With most of the scientific names of Australian birds derived from Latin or Greek words, it’s great to come across one that recognises the language of indigenous Australians. Berigora is the Aboriginal name for the Brown Falcon Falco berigora, a common raptor of the plains country around Newstead. This individual allowed me within ten metres yesterday afternoon – it was using the fence line for perches from which to chase grasshoppers and was not that keen to move far in late afternoon heat. What a beautiful raptor!

Brown Falcon near Walker’s Swamp, Moolort Plains, 1st January 2016.

II

III

IV

V