Shorebirds and Raptors at Long Reef – 23 February 2025

I sent another day at Long Reef photographing birds. When hot weather if forecast, Long Reef can be a lot cooler as it often experiences a sea breeze. The sea breeze when it hits the headland creates updrafts that attract the raptors. This visit, with low tide in the middle of the day, I cold also photograph some of the migratory shorebirds.

When I arrived the pair of Nankeen Kestrels that I had seen a lot of lately, were busy hunting on the slopes near the lookout.

There were other bird photographers present including Adam and Diana that I know. We then spotted an Osprey perched on the rocks out on the platform. As we approached, another Osprey flew past.

Back to the perched Osprey –

A White-faced Heron landed nearby

This unsettled some of the foraging Red-necked Stints –

The Osprey then took off –

Sooty Oystercatcher

Ruddy Turnstone

Red-necked Stint

Pacific Golden Plover

More Red-necked Stints

An a rare birds, a Siberian Sand Plover. Thanks to a young bird watcher for pointing it out.

Then two juvenile White-bellied Sea Eagles flew by and out to sea.

I then headed back to the base of the cliffs to photograph the Nankeen Kestrels again –

I then headed out back onto the rock platform –

Siberian Sand Plover

Grey-tailed Tattler

Ruddy Turnstone

Australasian Gannet

Australasian Darter

Then another Osprey appeared.

It spotted a fish and dived –

but it pulled out of its dive –

Another dive –

And again, it pulled out.

It circled around and dived again.

But again it pulled out.

Back around for another go –

Another unsuccessful dive –

The Osprey then left the area.

A juvenile White-bellied Sea Eagle flew past –

By this stage, I was thinking of leaving, and headed up to the lookout. Two more bird photographers, Jeremy and Jimmy arrived and I talked briefly to them. Then an Osprey re-appeared. Here it it flying past a toy glider –