The eastern section of Malabar Headland National Park has been closed a lot recently due to police practicing using rifles at the nearby rifle range. When then rifle range is being used the National Park in closed on the east side. So, on one of the flew day that it is open, I headed there with Sue, and we later met Alana.
We had a very full day.
On the walk out from Maroubra Beach we spotted this Common Blackbird –
Flannel Flowers
Near Magic Point, we spotted a Nankeen Kestrel.
The Kestrel took up a provocative pose – bending over. It was a female.
It then called to its mate.
Its mate flew down but went past.
The Kestrel then flew to small cave nearby.
The male landed nearby.
The female left the cave and landed on the cliffs.
The male got the message this time. It flew down.
Mating took place.
Then some nice flying.
We continued along the track.
A Weevil on a Flannel Flower.
Rufous Whistler
Orchid – Microtis parviflora
New Holland Honeyeater
Beard Orchid – Calochilus sp.
A bit further on, we encountered some other bird photographers. Their lenses were pointed to a Peregrine Falcon perched on the clifftop. The other photographers were Simon, Jason, Janson and Diana.
Humpback Whales
And we saw these fish jumping out of the water –
Caspian Tern
Then the male Peregrine Falcon returned with prey.
It deposited the prey with its mate. Then flew off.
Then the female flew off with the prey.
It and on a ledge.
Was it eating? No. I think it was preparing the prey for its chicks.
It flew off back to the nest area.
Then returned –
It landed on this ledge, and was perhaps de-lousing.
Humpback Whales
More jumping fish –
Further along the cliff we spotted a perched Peregrine Falcon.
Humpback Whales
Another bird photographer arrived. It was Max, who we have seen in the previous season. He is a very keen and accomplished teenager. He was there with his father.
Then the male Peregrine Falcon flew in with more prey.
And we later spotted a Peregrine Falcon perched further along.
Its amazing the way these birds can rotate their heads.
And reach into places that we can’t.
It was time for us to leave. We had watched this Falcon for a fair while and it made no sign that it was about to leave.