Return to Malabar Headland – 18 October 2019

I was keen to do some more visits to Malabar Headland while the juvenile Peregrine Falcons were around. This was an excellent visit with a lot of raptors observed.

On the way out I could hear a Golden-headed Cisticola calling. I was able to get a poor photo of it –

Further out, I met up with Jan, who was also spending the day out on the headland. I also saw the juvenile Peregrine Falcons. They were still close to their nest area.

These two seemed quite relaxed. It can take a while for them to take-off, so I looked around and saw some whales passing nearby.

More photos of the Peregrine Falcons –

Then one made its way out to the edge and it looked if it might take-off –

I think this fledgling may be not very good a flying. It started to flap its wings, and then more flapping, but it did not take off.

Eventually it did manage to step off the cliff, and now it could fly.

One of its siblings took-off much easier.

The Falcons were now settled at lower perches, so we then decided to go on a bit of walk around the headland. We made our way to where I had earlier seen a Black-shouldered Kite. No luck this time, but we did spot some Superb Fairywrens and New Holland Honeyeaters –

David Sinnott had also told us about some Sun Orchids. We could not find any in flower – but did see some fertilised orchids.

As we were walking back, we saw two Ospreys flying past. This is he first time I have seen Ospreys on the headland.

The Ospreys flew out to sea.

The presence of the Ospreys must have been spotted also by the parent Peregrine Falcon who was on guard duty.

The juvenile Peregrine Falcons were hiding in caves –

The parent cruised around.

The Ospreys came past again. One had half a fish.

The nest problem for the falcons was a passing Sea Eagle.

Two of the fledglings were hiding in this bush –

And one was in a cave.

The trouble with the bush was that it was hard to take-off from.

More flying –

One does some close proximity passes of one if its siblings –

Another whale passed –

This fledgling looks little worried –

But ist only Mum flying overhead.

But a Sea Eagle also flies over.

This fledgling panics –

It recovers on a ledge.

One of its siblings is less worried.

More passing traffic –

More practise flying from the fledglings –

And below, a Gannet catches a fish –

It was time to go home – it had been a very good day.