In a rare event, ecologist Dr. Tim Henderson captured a Siberian peregrine falcon at Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary in central Australia, a first for the region. This sighting follows record rainfall in 2024, which flooded wetlands and attracted large numbers of prey, drawing in predators like the peregrine falcon. This rare subspecies, typically found in the Arctic tundra, has only occasionally been spotted in Australia, making its inland appearance a significant discovery for both researchers and birdwatchers.
The Role of Unusual Rainfall in the Sighting
Dr. Tim Henderson, a key ecologist at Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary, explains that 2024’s exceptional rainfall played a crucial role in this rare sighting. According to Dr. Henderson, “In 2024, we received 637 mm of rainfall, the most we’ve had in a year since 2001, and the 5th wettest year on record.” This rainfall flooded previously dry wetlands and created temporary water sources, which in turn attracted large groups of prey species, such as waterfowl. These prey species, in turn, drew a variety of predators, including falcons and hawks. Dr. Henderson goes on to explain that this unusual weather event led to an increase in raptor diversity, which included the Siberian peregrine falcon, as well as other species like the goshawk. This influx of raptors was a direct result of the high concentration of prey, creating an exceptional opportunity for birdwatching.
The Siberian peregrine falcon, known for its incredible speed and impressive hunting abilities, is a rare visitor to Australia, usually spotted along the coastal regions. However, the inland sighting at Newhaven represents an unprecedented event, providing valuable insights into the species’ migratory patterns and the impact of climatic events on wildlife.
Dr Tim Henderson, Wildlife Ecologist and avid birdwatcher, photographed two rare bird sightings in Central Australia over the last 12 months.
Image credit: Kaitlin Formosa/AWC
The Significance of the Siberian Peregrine Falcon Sighting
According to the Ausralian Wildlife Concervancy, Dr. Henderson was quick to note the importance of the sighting: “2025 was a great year for bird watching at Newhaven,” he shared. “We recorded 17 species of diurnal raptors, including the rare migrant Siberian Peregrine Falcon, which usually travels south after the northern summer into Asia and Indonesia.” The Siberian peregrine, a subspecies of the common peregrine falcon, typically migrates through coastal regions of Australia, but it is exceptionally rare in the interior of the country. This sighting, documented both visually and photographically, marks a milestone in Australian birdwatching history. The Siberian subspecies is known for its distinctive markings, including a thin stripe beneath its eye, which helped Dr. Henderson identify the bird despite its speed and distance.
A Siberian Peregrine Falcon photographed within Australia’s arid zone for the first time, marking an extraordinary new record for the world’s fastest animal.
Image credit: Tim Henderson/AWC
The Unexpected Speed of the Peregrine Falcon
Dr. Henderson’s photograph of the Siberian peregrine falcon is remarkable not only because of its rarity but also due to the bird’s extreme speed. As the world’s fastest animal, the peregrine falcon can dive at speeds exceeding 200 mph (320 km/h), making it a challenging subject for photographers. Dr. Henderson recalls the difficulty of capturing the shot: “I’m honestly amazed that the image didn’t come out blurry,” he laughed. “I was out visiting one of the inundated claypans, when the Peregrine Falcon shot past.”
Despite the bird’s incredible speed, Dr. Henderson had developed a habit of snapping photos during his fieldwork. This instinct proved invaluable, allowing him to review his shots later and confirm the bird’s identity. The rapid flight of the falcon left little time for on-the-spot identification, but the distinct features of the bird, such as the stripe below its eye, made it possible for Dr. Henderson to correctly identify it as the Siberian subspecies.
The Discovery and Confirmation Process
The process of confirming the bird’s identity was an exciting one for Dr. Henderson. After capturing the photograph, he shared it with birdlife experts who helped verify the species.
“When I got back to the office, I immediately suspected it must be one of the rare migratory subspecies because of the thin stripe below its eye,” he explained. “I then confirmed with birdlife experts that it was the Siberian subspecies.”
Dr. Henderson’s confirmation of the sighting marked a historic moment, as the Siberian peregrine falcon is rarely seen in central Australia. For researchers and birdwatchers, the opportunity to document and photograph this species in such an unusual location adds a new layer of understanding to the species’ migratory behavior.