This was forecast to be an interesting day, with a dust storm due to pass over the city. I thought a good place to take some photos could be North Head. I travelled to Manly via the Ferry and then walked to the beck and continued to Shelly Beach. I next walked up the track to the barracks, and then took a side track to Blue Fish Point.
The city from North Head
On the way, a powerful but short thunderstorm passed over. The storm lighting was impressive – but I only saw it in forest before arriving at the barracks, where I took shelter under an arch. It had been a little dusty on the ferry, but not too impressive.
At Blue Fish Point, I could see the thunderstorm was now well out to sea. I looked around for birds, but saw none. Some of the wildflowers were impressive.
I headed back towards the barracks and then took the track to Lady Fairfax Lookout. The harbour was certainly dusty – but not that impressive. But it was also very windy – too windy to stop there for lunch. Too windy even to wait and look for birds. So I headed to the Cafe area, where I found a sheltered spot on the grass, and had lunch.
Butcher Bird
Flannel Flower
Masked Lapwing chick
I then checked my public transport apps and saw a bus was due to arrive soon and I could catch that back to Manly and then catch another bus to the cliffs near Dee Why, so I could see if the Peregrine Falcons were active in the windy conditions.
So that is what I did in the afternoon. The bus links worked out well, and it didn’t take long to reach he sea cliffs. But when I arrived, I found it was not that windy. The wind was coming from the west, and the cliffs backed most of it. Not ideal conditions for raptors.
But I did spot one of the juvenile Peregrine Falcons flying around – but not for long. I was lucky to get a few photos of it before it flew off.
Cicada