Illawarra and Royal National Park – 6 December 2018

I spent an interesting day with Digi Dave. We had planned to visit Woronora Dam, but when we turned off the Princess Highway, we found a locked gate. It seems the area is now only open on weekends. Perhaps due to some work go on? We had not thought of any alternative, so thought a trip down the coast may be worthwhile.

Black-faced Monarch

We first stopped off at the lookout at Stanwell Tops. Here we had a nice view. There was also some photography and filming going on. There was a photo shoot and at a another spot a TV camera and some local politicians being interviewed. I knew a bushwalkers standing nearby. He said they were announcing funding for walking tracks in the area.

Above the escarpment was a hovering Black-shouldered Kite.

I walked closer to it to get some photos.

It then suddenly dived out of site.

It returned with a rat of mouse in its talons. It landed on an air sock and then had a quick feed.

We then headed to Stanwell Park. We visited the beach there – but there was not much to see. There were more photographers operating. One seemed to be shooting dogs.

We continued to the Sea Bridge. We parked before the bridge and then walked to the far end and back. Digi Dave also explored a trail on the far side.

I was looking for birds – but saw nothing close. We then headed to Austinmer where we had lunch and then headed back to Stanwell Tops and through Royal National Park. We stopped at one of the flats on the Hacking River and had a walk around. Not many birds there.