I spent a few full day at the Northern Beaches visiting a number of sites, and in particular nesting sites of raptors.
I first travelled to Manly Vale in the B-line bus, and walked to sporting park where a pair of Eastern Ospreys have a well established nest. As I was approaching the nest, one of the birds flew off and landed on the grass and grabbed a stick. It flew back and added it to the nest.
Both of the Ospreys were now sitting on their nest, but not for long. I took a few photos of the local Welcome Swallows. Here is one just about to grab an insect –
Then one of the Ospreys took off and flew back with a small stick.
Nest, it flew off again and perched on a distant lamp. It was then joined by the second Osprey. But a Willie Wagtail, who must have a nest nearby, took objection to there presence and bravely encouraged the Ospreys to relocate somewhere else.
The Ospreys flew back to their nest, and then some more stick collecting took place.
I was hoping that one would fly off and return with a fish, but perhaps they were not hungry? I then moved off to a bus stop nearby and caught a bus to a nearby beach. I then walked out to the cliffs and looked for Peregrine Falcons. On my way I photographed this Willie Wagtail –
I then reached the Peregrine Falcon nesting area. One of the Falcons was around, and it is evident that it was protecting young chicks as it did not want me around. So I thought it best to leave the area.
A few more birds nearby –
Superb Fairywrens
Red Wattlebird
Sooty Oystercatcher
Golden-headed Cisticola
I then had my lunch, and moved off to the next location – another sporting field and another Eastern Osprey nesting site.
The Ospreys were on their nest. So I looked around for other birds. I soon saw some Galahs. Here is one –
And there was a Nankeen Kestrel. It seem to be driving off another bird. When they both flew closer, I saw there were two Kestrels, and one was encouraging the other to leave. Perhaps a territory dispute?
The remaining Kestrel then started hunting for food. It stayed in the area for a long while, and I was able to get some nice sequences of it taking off, in flight, landing after prey and returning to a perch. Here are some of those photos –
The Osprey were also active. Not as active as the Kestrel however. One took off and returned with a stick.
And then it looked like they were mating.
It was then time for me to head for home. It had been a very interesting day.
Hi David. I just found your blog. Fantastic photos, thanks for posting them. I’m a big fan of Peregrine Falcons, but have never seen them on the Northern Beaches, and I live here! If you don’t mind me asking, which beach were they at? Thanks Brett
Hello Brett, thanks for your comments. The Peregrine Falcons are a nesting pair – and so I won’t reveal their location. There are probably Peregrine Falcons all along the sea cliffs from North Head to Barrenjoey. They like to make nests (scrapes) in the ledges of the cliffs – generally facing to the North East. My advice is to walk along the coastal path and scan the cliffs with binoculars to find perched Falcons. Or look for them flying, and learn their call.