Raptors at Long Reef – 21 January 2025

I thought it was about time for another visit to Long Reef on the Northern Beaches. My main aim was to photograph raptors.

I did quite well, spotting a number of Ospreys and a pair of Nankeen Kestrels.

When I arrived at the lookout on the headland, I looked down and spotted an Osprey hunting for fish. As soon as I pointed my camera towards it, it dived for a fish. I was too late and only photographed the splash –

The Osprey didn’t manage to catch the fish it had been diving for.

It flew past a bit closer –

And then it left the area. I walked down to the lower level.

It was high tide, and a few Red-necked Stints had come across from the island –

I spotted an Osprey out on the island. Perhaps that was why the Stints had appeared?

The Osprey then flew out to sea, but not longer after, it came past with a nice fish –

It landed on the island to eat its fish –

A Ruddy Turnstone was looking for scraps –

Then a Nankeen Kestrel arrived and started hunting on the slopes near the lookout. It attracted the attentions of a Willie Wagtail that objected to it being in its territory.

The Willie Wagtail continued to harass the much larger Osprey. It was too fast and manoeuvrable for the Osprey.

Eventually the Willie Wagtail left to Osprey alone.

It would dive down and catch grasshoppers and other small insects and grubs.

An Osprey flew past –

I continued to watch the Nankeen Kestrel. It was joined by second.

Another passing Osprey –

It too was harassed by the Willie Wagtail –

And there were other flying objects to contend with –

Back to the Kestrel –

And the Willie Wagtail arrived again –

This time the Willie Wagtail harassed the Kestrel on the ground –

The Kestrel made clear its feeling towards the Wagtail –

Here you can see both Kestrels –

And now for something different, a White-faced Heron –

Crested Tern

And I spotted an Osprey eating a fish, perched in a tree on the north side of the headland. I walked over.

Time to go home. It had been a good day.