I was intending to make another visit to Malabar Headland National Park to photograph the Peregrine Falcons and the passing whales, but the eastern part of the park was closed due to a Shooting Festival at the adjacent rifle range. So instead, I caught a bus up to the Northern Beaches.
Peregrine Falcon
I made my way to the sea cliffs, to a spot where I had seen Peregrine Falcons in the past. Where they back and ready to breed. It looks like the answer was yes. I spotted one sitting on the cliffs. I waited to see if it would take off. It seemed pretty settled, then another Peregrine Falcon flew past. The first one then took off.
I then looked along the cliffs, but could not spot either bird. So I moved on.
At Long Reef, I had lunch on top of the cliffs at the point. I saw some very distant whales. Closer was a Willie Wagtail and an Australian Pipit.
On the platform, I looked for Osprey feeding, like I had seen on my previous visit. But none seemed to be around this time. I did not see much in the way of other birds except for sea gulls and a few Cormorants.
I also photographed the Welcome Swallows –
I did see an unusual surf board –
It seems this is a Hydrofoil Surf Board.
On the Norther side, I encountered a Nankeen Kestrel.
I then walked to Pittwater Raod and caught a bus north to Warriewood. At one of the sporting fields, I spotted another Nankeen Kestrel hunting for food –
High above on one of the lights is the nest of a pair of Eastern Ospreys. I thin one of the pair is sitting on eggs. It is hard to see – the nest is quite high. The other bird was away, so I waited to see if it would come back. It did –
By this time, it ws time for me to head home. Here is one last photo of the Kestrel and some “friends” –
