I spent a very enjoyable day at Royal National Park, accompanied by Digi Dave, photographing the wildlife.
We started off at Audley. Quite a few birds were out. But also a large Lace Monitor (Goanna) was wandering around. This seemed to upset some of the birds – the Sulphur Crested Cockatoos in particular where quite alarmed. Perhaps they had nests with eggs in nearby? The waterbirds did not seem so worried. It was interesting to observe the Goanna and its interactions.
At the picnic area, there was a Raven being harassed by a group of Noisy Miners –
Downstream we spotted a nice Sacred Kingfisher. It was perched on a branch, not far above the river and was eating a nice crustacean of some sort.
We then went to Warumbul Picnic Area, a nice but small picnic area on South West Arm. A few birds were around.
Our next port of call, was Bonnie Vale Wetland at Bundeena.
In the camping area, we spotted a Dollarbird perched on overhead wires –
As well as visiting the wetlands, we walked along the track to Maianbar – to the bridge over Cabbage Tree Creek. Here there was a large current due to tidal inflow.
On the way back, an Egret was feeding in the mangroves –
The last spot was the Balconies on the Coastal Track. The most interesting bird here was a Sea Eagle flying past.
