The Black-breasted Buzzard is a large impressive and distinctive endemic raptor which is mostly found in arid Australia and the tropical north.
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While visiting a new NSW Parks property, Avenel Mt Westwood (1), about 130km NNW of Broken Hill, a Buzzard was encountered on Teilta Creek. The bird allowed close approach and seemed somewhat curious as, slowly and in stages, we approached the dead Redgum where it was perched. The late afternoon light afforded good light for photos. When the bird finally flew we noticed there was another one perched nearby. They both flew off together down the creek line. I suspect they do not encounter people very often as this is a remote area with few visitors, hence their confiding behaviour.
The following photos show an adult bird.
The following photo was taken just before the bird flew when it flattened its head feathers giving the bird a different appearance.
The following morning we encountered the pair perched along the creek line and when they flew one of the birds circled around us several times clearly checking us out and again indicating their curiosity. The following two flight shots were captured as the bird circled us.
Note: (1)
The former sheep grazing properties were purchased by the NSW Government in 2021. This area is located in the Simpson Strzlecki Dunefields Bioregion which adjoins the Broken Hill Complex Bioregion to the south. Teilta Creek is a typical desert watercourse with a flat sandy bed and a narrow riparian area dominated by River Redgum. This is an extremely arid region so flows in the creek are few and far between.
The NSW Parks Service have recently developed the Teilta Creek Campground which is located just off the Sturt’s Steps touring route - an alternative route between Broken Hill and Tibooburra. The site features local history dating back to Sturt’s exploratory journey through the area in 1844 and subsequent grazing history since the mid 1860’s.
