More Raptors at Long Reef – 20 July 2025

I spent another very good day at Long Reef on the Northern Beaches. My main aim was to photograph Ospreys as they hunted for fish, and any other raptors that may be present. The tide would be too high to venture out on the rock platform.

When Arrived, I spotted a Nankeen Kestrel hunting near the lookout. It was being harassed by a Magpie.

Then I descended to the lower level. Through binoculars, I spotted an Osprey perched on a dead tree on the north side, so I walked closer.

It suddenly looked a bit bothered!

A Brown Goshawk flew past the Osprey.

This is probably the same Brian Goshawk I spotted in this same location on my visit of 30 June.

Then the Osprey started calling out –

Another Osprey was present. It was hunting for fish.

Not long after, the perched Osprey took off.

It headed out to the point, and out of my sight. I walked around and met top with Michael, another bird photographer. He said it there had been an Osprey fight on the sand, not far from where he was. His photos looked remarkable.

We then waited for some more Osprey action.

One was diving for a fish –

It failed to get the fish.

Then two Ospreys were flying overhead. No fighting.

One dived –

Not successful.

Then two started fighting mid air –

Why are these birds fighting. The local consensus amongst the birders is that one is an adult and the other a juvenile. The juvenile should be old enough to leave the area and get its own territory. And the adult is encouraging it to leave.

Some more diving for fish –

And again, not successful.

One Osprey has other ideas.

It swoops down and grabs a dead fish on the beach that has washed up on the sand.

This Osprey however prefers a fresh fish –

This time, success. Although the fish looks very small.

Another Osprey flies past with a fish –

Another Osprey skirmish –

Way out near the island, and Osprey catches a fish and lands on the island.

But soon after, it flew past, pursued by a juvenile Kelp Gull –

It is interesting to see that the Osprey and the Kelp Gull are quite close in size.

Another Osprey appears on the scene –

All of a sudden, it swerves.

Another skirmish –

It was now time for me to head for home. Another very good day.