Sometimes serendipity does it strange and unusual activities.

I’d place and order for Peter Slater, and artist Sally Elmer’s new book “Australian Falcons” a few weeks ago and had almost forgotten about it until the other day Postman Pete turned up with a fine package containing the book.

I have a warm spot for Peter’s work as my first real bird guide was his little “Slater Field Guide” It suffers a bit these days from the species and race arrangement used, and also, of course. because so many birds have been reclassified since its update in 2003.
However it’s still my ‘Go To” when trying to id a tricky bird as the quality of the illustrations and the variations are such that they look just like the bird I’m trying to id.

It also happens, serendipitously that a large part of the new book has quite an extensive range of photos, and information on Brown Falcon.
Some I guess is readily available, some I have to admit I’d wondered about, but had never read anywhere.

From Page 45.
…Vigors and Horsfield …named “Falco Berigora” The notes accompanying the description read: “The native name of this bird, which we have adopted as its specific name is Berigora. It is called by the settlers Orange-speckled Hawk.
… Considering the variability of the Brown Falcon its not surprising that it has been given a variety of names, most of which are synomous…

Birdaspoety blog has rarely engaged in equipment or book reviews, nor am I about to start.

However here are few highlights from my copy.

Each bird chapter has some stories of his encounters with Australian Falcons and in the Brown Falcon pages is a fascinating story of raising a young female that has a damaged eye. While Peter has an aversion to giving birds names, I, on the other hand, find it useful in working with them. So much nicer to speak of Cassia, of Cinnamon, than that ” That falcon with the marble chest that is down along the lower fence line” or something.

On page 54, he discusses hunting technique
…The hunting technique… utilises a vantage point.. There the falcon waits patiently until a mammal, reptile or insect appears, then swoops down in a long glide. One strike we measured covered more than two hundred metres, a testament to the bird’s eyesight.

I have some photos of a bird that, after sitting for about 20 minutes, stiffened up, peered across the paddock(s) and then launched. Running right over my head, in a long slow controlled glide. It disappeared from view near some bushes that would have been close to 800 metres out. I don’t know what it caught, but I have no doubt its intention would have been fulfilled.

Peter also discusses the variability of the birds and how current research suggests that the colours do change as each individual ages and depending on the sex.

But if for nothing else, I appreciate the book for his close affection for the birds. It comes through on every page with descriptions like, “one of the most beautifully marked”, and “handsome male”, and “The equisite bird..,”
So I won’t feel bad about using such terms on the blog for some Brown Falcon shots that are bound to come up soon. (That is a hint, I think- more seredipity.

Enjoy