Malabar Headland – Raptors, Whales and Dolphins – 15 September 2025

I joined Sue for a nice day out on Malabar Headland, where we were later joined by Valerie. We also met two other bird photographers we knew – Adam and Philip.

Our main aim was to see the resident Peregrine Falcons. but we were also pleased to see any other raptors that may be around. And we spotted a Black-shouldered Kite near the National Park entrance.

A few Sooty Oystercatchers were nearby –

Near Magic Point we spotted some Humpback Whales –

We went over to the clifftop to get a better view, but a Nankeen Kestrel flashed past.

It had prey. Perhaps an Oak Skink.

We kept on walking out towards Boora Point. The Wildflowers were fantastic.

Philotheca sp.

And I think this is a White’s Skink –

We could not see any Peregrine falcon perched on the cliffs, but the two bird photographers there, Adam and Philip had seen one circling a bit earlier. So we sat down to wait.

Humpback Whales

Then a pesky Raven arrived. But, all of a sudden a Peregrine Falcon appeared and drove the Raven away. The Falcon then did some very fast passes.

This had been a magnificent few minutes of action. It had been the male, perhaps on guard duty near a nest?

Then a pod of Dolphins went past just below us.

Alana arrived next and joined us.

Then more Humpback Whales –

A bit after a Peregrine Falcon appeared and flew very fast out to sea.

Then we saw another Peregrine Falcon following the first. or was it the same one that had doubled back unseen? We thought there may have been a distant threat – perhaps an Osprey or Sea Eagle or another Peregrine Falcon.

One flew nearby –

White-faced Heron

Caspian Tern

Humpback Whales

I had left the others to see if I could spot any Peregrine falcon perched on the cliffs feather along. Then I got a sms recall. There was one, but close to our rest spot.