Birding

Peregrine Falcon in Broome

December 16, 2018 by Clare M 6 Comments

On December 7th an odd looking Peregrine Falcon was observed in Broome at the Sports Oval. In Australia we often observe Peregrine Falcons and they are the subspecies Falco peregrinus macropus. The Australian Peregrine Falcons have a distinct grey hood around their head and neck area, but this new arrival to Broome had quite a different facial pattern. Usually when we observe Peregrine Falcons they are hunting shorebirds around the Broome coastline and you don’t always get a chance to see all of their characteristics. The Peregrine Falcon at the Sports Oval has been perching on the light towers and is easily observed, but it is a long way up.

Peregrine Falcon on the light tower!

The general consensus among birders is that this particular Peregrine Falcon is a different sub species and is most likely Falco peregrinus calidus. The features around the head appear to indicate that it is this subspecies from the northern hemisphere. There has been a previously accepted record by the Birdlife Australia Rarities Committee in regards to a Peregrine Falcon observed in the Northern Territory on November 4th 2016. The subspecies of Peregrine Falcon that we believe to be visiting Broome would normally breed in the Eurasian Arctic and migrate to South Asia and Africa. It is quite probable that Falco peregrinus calidus visits Australia more often that is observed due to the observations often being brief and fast.

Pointing my small camera at the light stand and being far enough back to actually see the Peregrine Falcon I was able to get some shots that clearly show the different facial pattern. The Peregrine Falcon acknowledged my presence on the grass as it peered down on me!

Peregrine Falcon on the light tower

Several birders have added their Peregrine Falcon photos to eBird and the BRAC Sports Field is an eBird Hotspot always worth investigating. Only time will tell if there is agreement that this is indeed a well-travelled Peregrine Falcon from the Arctic tundra!

Written by Clare M
Clare and her husband, Grant, have lived permanently in Broome, Western Australia since 1999 after living in various outback locations around Western Australia and Darwin. She has lived in the Middle East and the United States and traveled extensively in Europe. She monitors Pied Oystercatchers breeding along a 23km stretch of Broome's coastline by bicycle and on foot. She chooses not to participate in social media, but rather wander off into the bush for peace and tranquility. Thankfully she can write posts in advance and get away from technology!