Lately I have been seeing many predatory birds flying circling high above Swiftlet farm areas. I thought this is their natural behavior as they fly from one area to another during their journey of migration.
Yes many of these Eagles or Hawk you may call them are migratory but some are not. Some will breed in the area where food sources are plenty, this is survival. Their offspring are guarantee food when a nest is built there.
Their chicks have great appetite they need to be fed many times. The area around the feeding ground often is chosen as a home for these predatory birds so that they could bring back food to feed the chicks as often as possible.
They didn’t catch my attention much until I saw this huge Eagle on top of the roof of a Swiftlet Farm. They were not only hovering above the Swiftlet farm but perched on top of the Dog Kennel.
The Eagle was cleaning its beak by scrapping it against the roof tiles. This really surprised me, such movement indicates the Eagle has just finished its meal, perhaps some delicious young Swiftlets that play around the Entrance hole. I was really lucky because I had my camera with me. I took these shots before it flew away.
I am sure some of you have seen Swiftlets circling around Eagle and trying to peck them. Why would they peck a bird of prey that is many times bigger and more powerful than them? Swiftlets are smart birds they know who their enemies are. The Eagle must have killed many Swiftlets before.
Now Eagles are often spotted in urban areas, this is because their natural habitat that provides food has been destroyed by the rapid development.
Now Swiftlet farm is their choice of feeding ground. This is all about survival, Swiftlet farms in urban area face the same threat as those located in the Plantation area.
I suggest all Swiftlet farms to have sharp spikes at the Entrace Hole.
Good Swiftlet Farming All!