I was at my favorite place in the desert about two weeks ago - doing stump shooting and looking for rabbits. We have lots of foxes in Australia, but I have not seen any out in the desert town where I currently live.
I did the rabbit distress call (I purse my lips and place them against the palm of my hand, as I suck in air), and immediately two Butcher Birds flew straight into the tree above me. These are an Australian bird who have a reputation for being aggressive. When they catch a snake or lizard, or other bird, they impale them on a barbed-wire fence or thorn bush. That softens them up a bit and gets them ready for the Coupe De Grace.
They sat there and looked at me for ages, wondering where the wounded rabbit was for them to pounce on. I was very surprised that birds would come to that call.
Well - today I was at my same spot shooting my wonderful J/J Firefly bow. I saw a raptor fly over-head. I remembered what happened the other day, so decided to do my predator call again. It was like magic. Immediately the Hawk (or maybe a Falcon), did a huge U turn in the sky and swept very close over my head (only about six feet above me), and landed in the adjacent tree.
It was wonderful to see such a beautiful bird up close. I was amazed that it reacted so dramatically to the predator call. I have never seen this recorded or reported on before.
Sorry about the terrible photos - I only had my cell-phone with me.
Is this an Australian thing, or do you lads have the same experience in the States? Tell me about it please.
Sutto
PS - can some kind soul please put up my pick's for me - still haven't figured that part out yet!
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l167/suttoman/2013-06-30165126.jpg http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l167/suttoman/2013-06-30171910.jpg http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l167/suttoman/2013-06-30171922.jpg