I spent a pleasant half day on the Coastal Path between The Gap and Dover Heights trying to spot and photograph some of the raptors that I had seen on my previous trip. In this I was at least partly successful.
Peregrine Falcon
I caught a ferry to Watsons Bay and then walked the short distance to The Gap, and then set of south along the Coastal Path. It was a nice day and a lot of other walkers were enjoying the path.
For seem reason, there seemed to be a lot of police out – on foot, in helicopter and later a police boat –
I saw a few birds along the way –
Red Wattlebird
Red Wattlebird
Koel
I did spot a nice Australasian Kestrel (Nankeen Kestrel) at Diamond Bay and was able to get some photos of it. After waiting around a bit, I was surprised to see a second one, and then a third – all flying together. Unfortunately they were all a fair way away, so my photos are a bit limited –
I kept on walking south and arrived at Dudley Page Reserve. Great views of the city –
At the Rodney Reserve, I was on the lookout for the Peregrine Falcon that I had seen on my previous trip. So I waited fair while. I did spot a few other birds –
New Holland Honeyeater
Superb Fairy Wren
Superb Fairy Wren
At last, I was fortunate to see a Peregrine Falcon fly past – quite low down and quite distant. I was able to grab a few poor photos, and that was it. Despite waiting it did not seem to return.
Peregrine Falcon
Nice to see that Peregrines are around, they achieve some amazing speeds.
I’m often up in the park at Rodney Reserve walking the dog. Not sure whether the soaring birds, enjoying the uplift from the onshore winds are Kestrels or Peregrine Falcons.
What we have been seeing over the last two weeks are quite small birds, with “Zed” shaped wings. They occasionally rest on the fence or the footy goalposts, but are impossible to catch with an iPhone camera.
We also see juvenile Kookaburras, Cockatoos, and cheeky swallows who tease the dogs, amongst others
Thanks for you postings of your
brilliant photography
Thanks for your comment. I have seen Peregrine Falcons at the reserve quite often. I have seen Nankeen Kestrels nearby, so they could well be there. Sitting on goal posts or sporting field lights is common for them. And they can hover while hunting. They typically eat small lizards, grasshoppers, crickets etc. Peregrines are larger and eat other birds like pigeons.