Whales and Peregrine Falcons at Malabar Headland – 8 July 2019

I spent a very rewarding day out on Malabar Headland. It was the whale season so I hoped to observe a few whales, and I also hoped to see the pair of Peregrine Falcons that are nesting in the sea cliffs.

The birds started off even before I entered the National Park. Near the fence, a Fan-tailed Cuckoo was in full call. A beautiful bird.

And there are always a few Superb Fairy-wrens around –

Further out, I photographed some of the New Holland Honeyeaters.

The cliffs at Magic Point where quite nice to photograph in the conditions.

I then reached the Peregrine Falcon nesting area. From distance I spotted one of the birds on the top of the cliffs.

It soon took off –

And then when I looked down, I could see why it had flown off. It was now mating with its partner –

It was all over in about twenty seconds. The male flew off –

The female seemed content to stay on the rock perch.

It then took off and flew to a more remote ledge.

I then continued on to Boora Point. A few Ravens flew overhead. It didn’t take them too long to start squabbling.

I settled down at Boora Point and waited to see if any whales were around.

A few whales went past – but they were a long way out. I moved back to the Falcon area to see if they were back. They were, and were quite active, but just as that time some whales were cruising past quite close.

A White-faced Heron flew past below –

I went back to the watching the Peregrine to see if it would take off. It did – but not in a good direction for photos.

It flew around to lower ledge. I could see why – it had the remains of its prey to finish.

Then one of the Peregrine Falcons flew back to one of the closer ledges. I was ready for a take off –

Then more whales cruised past –

Then my attention was diverted back to the Falcons –

One of them had returned to the feeding ledge –

The bird the falcon is eating seems to have been tagged.

My attention was then again diverted. This time by a Gannet that flew past and then dived for a fish –

Back to the falcon. It had almost finished.

It then wiped  its beak clean on some old rope. Picked its talons and settled back to digest its meal.

Then more whales caused a diversion by jumping almost all the way out –

It was then time to start heading back to the bus-stop at Maroubra. The Sun was starting to get low.