Malabar Headland – Birds, Whales and Dolphins – 23 June 2020

I had a pleasant and interesting day out on Malabar Headland. I was looking for the Peregrine Falcons, but also on the lookout for other raptors and any whales that happened to cruise past on their northern migration.

I made my way into the National Park. At Magic Point, I saw a Gannet fly past.

I spotted some distant Dolphins.

On my way to Boora Point, I spotted the usual New Holland Honeyeaters.

I then searched the sea cliffs for the Peregrine Falcons. At their nesting site, I met fellow bird photographer, Shuvo. I had met him last season at these cliffs. I soon spotted a Falcon, perched on a ledge.

I watched it carefully, waiting for it to take-off.

It flew around for a bit before landing in the same spot.

Shuvo had to leave. He ran out of camera batteries and had to pop home for another. I missed the next take-off, but here it comes in to land –

I wandered off to see what else was around, and when I came back, I saw it perched on a lower ledge.

At the same time, I spotted the second of the pair, perched on a higher ledge. They both looked settled. It is good to spot the two Falcons of the pair at the one time. This means they have reunited to breed once more.

Time to look for some Humpback Whales –

The lower Falcon became restless. Was it going to take-off. No. It settled back down.

More whales –

I moved away to have lunch. When I next looked along the cliffs, one of the Peregrine Falcons had left the area, the other was perched on a lower rock.

It took-off – but away from me.

Heresi anoder Gannet, and perhaps a different one with a fish.

Shuvo made it back with his recharged camera. It was handy having a second person to keep a lookout in case a bird returned. One of the Peregrine Falcons came back –

Soe more Gannets.

And the pod of Dolphins reappeared.

Would they come closer? Meanwhile, another Gannet –

The Dolphins did come closer – they cruised right below  the base of the cliffs.

I think some of the fishermen got shock as they Dolphins swam past them at Boora Point.

One of the Peregrine Falcons was also keeping a watch –

A Humpback Whales passed by fairy close to us.

It was not time for me to leave. On the way back, near the park gate, I spotted a hovering Black-shouldered Kite.

I watched it for a while. It landed on a post. But it was not given a welcome by a Currawong. The bird flew down and swooped at the Kite. The Kite lost its footing and fell off the post.

The Kite landed again on the post, and this time remained very vigilant – looking around at all angles.