Raptor Populations at an Agricultural Site Featuring Sustainable Farming Practices near Sydney, New South Wales

Abstract

A total of 322 observation days was logged between 1998 and 2001 in a study that recorded and monitored the diurnal raptor populations at a 1600-hectare site located on the suburban fringe of Sydney, New South Wales. The site is characterised by sustainable agricultural practices and a 'Trees on Farms' program that has been in effect since 1991. Fifteen out of a Australia's total of 24 species of birds of prey were observed. Successful breeding activity was recorded for five species: Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus, White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster, Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax, Brown Falcon Falco berigora (two pairs) and Nankeen kestrel F. cenchroides. The Wedge-tailed Eagles became new breeding residents midway through the study, siting their nest 1 km from the Sea-Eagle's nest. Although it was not possible to quantify the role of sustainable farming practices in supporting this concentration of raptors, the general stability in raptor numbers indicates that these farming practices did not negatively affect raptor numbers over the four years of observations. The presence of new breeding birds suggests a positive contribution to raptor populations.