Birds at Long Reef – 3 September 2025

I decided on another trip to Long Reef. More Osprey photography.

When I arrived, I walked down to the lower level from the lookout, and spotted two Osprey perched in trees on the north side. I walked along the beach towards them.

When I got close, I could see that there were actually three Ospreys perched in trees.

And a bit later, a fourth Osprey flew overhead.

I waited to get photos of the Osprey taking off. But I got the order wrong and missed the first two. That left one, and I concentrated on watching it. Eventually it did take off –

The background was  very messy however.

I then walked back to the base of the lookout, and spotted an Osprey with a fish not too far out on the rock platform. I could get fairly close without disturbing it.

Another Osprey flew overhead.

And it was joined by another.

The Osprey eating the fish did not seem to worry too much. I think it was more concerned about Sea eagles.

The Osprey suddenly is alarmed.

Its fish has started to flap around, even though part of it has been eaten.

The aerial Ospreys returned.

One dived for a fish.

The Osprey may have caught a fish, but it was having a very hard time getting into the air again. So perhaps it had to release the fish?

It eventually got airborne again.

And Ospreys do a mid-air type of wringing out to shed water.

Another dive –

Again , not successful.

Meanwhile, the first Osprey was still going with its fish, but the tide was getting higher.

This Silver Gull has some fish guts – but not from the Osprey’s fish. Discarded by a fisherman.

The Osprey decides to move to higher ground.

Another Osprey cruises around –

A White-faced Heron flies by.

Two more Osprey are in the air, one with nesting material. I wonder if flying around with stuff to build a nest is a courtship sign?

It was now getting a bit cold in the wind, so I decided otherwise head for home. Up near the lookout, I spotted an Osprey perched high on the cliffs. I waited to see if it would take off.