Malabar Headland – 29 June 2020

Another day spent out on Malabar Headland. This was a day of rain and rainbows rather than birds and whales. I could see rainbows just about all the day – including from when I arrived to when I left. These were due to a lot of rain clouds that seemed to bring rain to the headland more than other places in Sydney. A long arc of rain clouds seemed to to be rotating around delivering rain most fo the day.

But it was still a good outing. I did see whales and Peregrine Falcons and other raptors. And I was able to shelter in overhangs near the sea cliffs.

Here is a New Holland Honeyeater –

Out near Boora Point, I look for Peregrine Falcons with no luck at first.

Some Humpback Whales did go past. But no breaching.

A few more birds – a Raven and a New Holland Honeyeater.

I also note these Aboriginal sharpening grooves on top of the sea cliffs. I was surprised I hadn’t spotted them before. They were in a place I walk past just about very visit. There are supposed the be Aboriginal engravings and middens as well on the headland, although I have not seen them.

Another passing Whale –

It was gloomy out to sea. its hard to make out this navy boat.

Then, one of the Peregrine Falcons flew past. I was lucky to get some shots.

Now I am sitting in this cave, out of the rain.

New Holland Honeyeater.

From the cave, I could hear a whimpering noise. I looked around the cliffs and spotted a Peregrine Falcon. It must have been quietly calling to its mate.  I got closer and waited to see if it would take-off.

It did take-off eventually, but away from me.

It flew around the other side of Boora Point. I walked out that way and spotted it perched further along the cliffs. Another wait to see if it would take-off.

It got ready to take=off, but again it flew off in a direction away from me. It then few right across Long Bay.

I headed back towards my dry overhang.

Passing Gannet –

I then had a passing Humpback Whale breach very close to the cliffs. I quickly turned my camera in that direction and got some photos of the splash. I waited to see if it wold breach more times. No, unfortunately.

Passing Crested Tern –

With no Peregrine Falcons around, or any more whale activity, I was getting a little bored and thought about leaving. I started walking back towards Magic Point, but had not gone far when a Sea Eagle flew past. It was being harassed by another bird. I quickly shot a few photos.

The second bird was one of the peregrine Falcons. It was encouraging the Sea Eagle to Leave their nest area. Also, the Sea Eagle was clothing a fish in its talons.

The Sea Eagle flew out to sea.

I then continued on my way back to the bus stop. Near the park entrance, I spotted a hovering Black-shouldered Kite. Here are a few last photos –

The Kite was in the same place I had seen it on my previous visit.