I decided to visit Malabar Headland National Park to check on the status of the Peregrine Falcons. On this visit, I walked in, and out from Malabar for a change.
It turned out to be a very good day.
On the walk in, I spotted a Black-shouldered Kite hunting near the Park entrance –
And, then a second Black-shouldered Kite appeared –
One flew out of sight, and the other landed on to top a mast in the Sydney Water plant nearby.
I continued on, to the Peregrine Falcon nesting area. Straight away I spotted both of the birds. The time was about 10:30 am.
Here is the female –
And the male was perched further along the cliffs –
The female then took off.
The male watched it fly past.
I had been hearing some Fan-tailed Cuckoos, so I went off and spotted one –
By the time I returned, the male Peregrine Falcon had disappeared.
It was not until 12:44 that I spotted a Peregrine Falcon. One flew past at high speed.
I later saw it perched nearby on the cliffs –
It soon took to the air again –
And then it did some great very fast flying near the nest area –
And now for some whales –
These are going south.
And this one is going north –
More going south –
And this one going north –
And more going south –
And one breaching, a long way out –
I had to wait till about 2 pm for a Peregrine Falcon to reappear. One flew past –
And some more amazing flying –
It then landed on the cliffs.
I then climbed down to a slightly lower ledge to see it better. I did not seem to disturb the bird. I was hoping it would take-off, but had to wait from 2:20 till 3:50 pm. It was very content to sit where it was.
At 3:22 pm it started stretching its legs and wings. These are signs it is about to take off.
But it stayed perched.
More stretching at 3:38 pm.
But again, it did not take off.
Then another session at 3:48 pm.
And another take-off sign –
And this time, it did take off!
The bird flew towards the scrape ledge, and at the same time, one flew out from there and headed north west along the cliffs.
It was almost time to head home, but first another Humpback Whale –
And on the walk out to Malabar –
New Holland Honeyeater
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Now, some thoughts about the Peregrine Falcon behaviour. Except for when I arrived, I only saw one Peregrine Falcon at a time, so I assumed that the other was sitting on eggs at the scrape.