I made a visit to Malabar Headland to many see how the resident Peregrine Falcons were doing. I started off by myself this visit, for the walk out, but I met friend John and his two young sons, Jasper and Sebastian. I also later met Alana on her daily walk.
It turned out to be a very interesting visit, so good in fact, that I made another trip to the headland the next day.
On the walk out, the wildflowers are looking very good. The Flannel Flowers are now blooming –
Melaleuca sp.
Calytrix sp.
And some nice orchids –
Microtis parviflora
Beard Orchid – Calochilus sp.
Caspian Tern
There were a few passing Humpback Whales –
Then a Peregrine Falcon appeared with prey.
The male Peregrine Falcon called out to the female as he flew past.
The female answered the call. She flew out from the cliffs and then a mid-air food exchange took place.
The first attempt was unsuccessful.
She tried again.
And she then flew off with the food for her chicks.
Then some nice fast flying.
This was the female. She was taking some time off. She lay down on a sandy ledge.
She was probably delousing – having a sand bath tp rid herself of parasites. Many Peregrine Falcon chicks die in the nest from parasite overload.
Some more nice flying –
And she landed on her favourite ledge.
We watched her for a fair time, but she seemed quite happy to stay there. And it time for us to leave.
Caspian Tern
And near Maroubra Beach, we spotted a Nankeen Kestrel.
