I spent another day at Long Reef. Again I concentrated on photographing the raptors – Ospreys and a Sea Eagle.
The seas were very big –
Even though it was low tide when I arrived, it was too rough to venture out on the rock platform. Waves were washing over the rocks.
But I spotted an Osprey perched in a tree on the north side. I walked alone the beach to that side.
While I was walking, another Osprey flew over –
And here is the Osprey in the tree –
The other was still flying around –
Nearby were some much smaller birds, a flock of Variegated Fairy-wrens. Here is a male –
Then I realised that the perched Osprey had a fish. It was eating very slowly.
So, I made my way back to the point. I spotted another Osprey having a bath way out on the rock platform –
It then finished washing –
The big seas did not stop the rock fishermen –
A few more bird photographers had arrived, including Adam, Phillip, Sarath and later Simon.
Here is a passing White-faced Heron –
Two Ospreys arrived.
And then there were three Ospreys.
The Ospreys flew off, so I photographed a Caspian Tern –
It was quiet, so I walked back to the Osprey eating its fish. It was still eating, and another Osprey had perched nearby. But, this area was being washed by waves, so I didn’t stay long.
Back at the point, Sooty Oystercatchers –
Some of the Ospreys were fishing. Unfortunately a long way out –
And then a juvenile White-bellied Sea Eagle flew over –
It was escorted off the premises by one of the Ospreys –
More hunting by the Ospreys. It was difficult in the big seas.
Two Osprey were having a dispute, but they were too close to fit in the action.
I was walking up the hill with Phillip and Adam, when we spotted an Osprey with a fish. Luckily for us, it flew past fairly close to us.
Then, it suddenly turned around!
It flew back at high speed.
It was being pursued by another Osprey. It must have taken a fancy to its fish.
This was a good ending to the day’s photography. We then had a meal at a local club and I was grateful for a lift back to the city thanks to Adam.