I thought it was about time to head back up to Long Reef to hopefully photograph the local Ospreys again. Conditions were reasonable and I had a good day. There was high tide most of the day.
I arrived at the lookout about 10:30 am and ended up staying till almost 4 pm. There were a number of other bird photographers there during the day, including Celine, Sarath and Simon.
I soon spotted two Ospreys perched in a dead tree on the north side. As I started walking there, one took off and flew my way.
The second was still perched.
I walked back around the other side of the headland and spotted one perched in the tree roots, not far round on the south side.
Another Osprey flew past.
It was hunting for fish.
It was not successful.
Another Osprey flew past.
Back around on the north side, one flew past with some nesting material. I think this is just instinctive behaviour. Perhaps it was trying to attract a mate?
This one was more concerned with catching fish.
No a successful dive. But it then tried again.
This time it pulled out before hitting the water.
But another was more successful. It flew past with a nice fish.
Meanwhile, another was still hunting.
It pulled out of its dive.
But another flew past with a fish.
Thos one was still hunting.
And another flew past with a fish.
While this one was still hunting.
Again, not successful – it pulled out if its dive.
The one with the fish, landed on the island and began eating.
Nut not for long. A White-belled Sea Eagle arrived and stole the fish. The Osprey and another flew after it, very angry.
Unfortunately all this action was a long way off.
One of the Ospreys landed back on the island – but this time without a fish.
Two Ospreys were perched on the south side cliffs –
And another was on the tree roots. It was being harassed by a very brace Willie Wagtail –
It landed in the shallows nearby.
And then flew out towards the island. Another Osprey with a fish was also going that way.
Some oft he over-wintering migratory birds then left the island and flew to the base of the headland.
Red-necked Stints
Double-barred Plover
Red-necked Stints
And it was time for me to head home. As I climbed up I spotted one Osprey perched below on the cliffs –
And another was flying past.
beautiful photos
i am thinking of visiting but a bit restricted with a busted foot that can walk on a smooth surface not rough or uneven can i get these photo opportunities from top of headland or is better to find a way around the beach to rocks [and if so approach from south or north
Yes – you can get good photos from the top. There are some bird photographers that prefer that location. The Ospreys often cruise past at that level, sometimes with fish. And you may see a kestrel or Black-shouldered Kite or Sea Eagle.