Malabar Headland National Park – 7 September 2020

Another very rewarding day spent out on the headland.

My aim was more bird photography, and I was pleased to see an Osprey flying out over the headland – only the second time I had seen these birds out there. On the way out, near Magic Point I was looking for whales, when I saw a few Dolphins swimming north. Then I saw a few more, and a few more. There would have been around 30 of them in the pod – but they were very spread out – taking at least ten minutes for them all to go past. Being so spread out made photography difficult. You would see them jump out of the water, then dive under again and it would be hard to predict where and when they would reappear. A more dense pod would have made this easier.

When I got out to the Peregrine Falcon nesting area, I saw a police boat below.

Not long after, two police officers on foot came past. They saw me, and came over for chat. They told me that a person had been seen that looked like he was going to jump off one of the cliffs. And was warned a helicopter would soon be making a low pass.

I told them I had not seen any person who looked suicidal, but that people like me, looking for birds, may look down along the cliffs scanning for perched birds. I pointe out the Peregrine Falcon I was watching below.

I also told them, that as I was entering the National Park, I saw a group of young people with large packs. I told them I thought they were slack liners, and may have given the appearance they were about to step off the cliffs – because that is what they do. I did see the helicopter later on and more police – right up until I left, and I now think that is the most likely explanation of what was seen and reported.

Meanwhile, the Falcon had taken off –

It flew around and landed on the same perch.

Not long after, it took off again, but away from me.

This time it did land – on top of the cliffs and much closer.

I missed the take-off.

Then the police helicopter made the pass.

The Peregrine Falcon had left the area – perhaps hunting for food.

While I was having lunch a Sea Eagle flew past slowly. It circled around a few times and provided some nice photo opportunities.

If the Peregrine Falcon had been there, there would have been some fireworks. I have seen them go for Sea Eagles when they approach the nest area.

Not long after, another large raptor flew past. It was an Osprey. These raptors don’t often visit the headland. I had only seen them here once before – when a pair flew over last year.

The Osprey flew past, not far above the cliffline level. And it circled around a few times before flying off.

Only a short time after, the Peregrine Falcon returned. It had some prey.

As soon as it appeared, the second peregrine falcon flew out from the nest.

I had been hoping for a mid-air food exchange. No – they both then flew into the nest. Here is the one with the food about to fly in –

I thought the birds would be busy for a while, hopefully feeding young. So I went on a walk around to the far side of the headland – near the Malabar entrance. I was looking out for Sun Orchids. I had seen a few last year, and sure enough, they were back – but the flowers were mostly closed. Perhaps it was too late and they had been fertilised?

Back at the Falcon area, one was back on a usual ledge.

I waited to see if it would take-off.

It gave some encouraging signs, but moved to a higher part of the ledge.

Meanwhile, a Gannet had caught a fish below –

The Falcon was still on the ledge and looked settled. I left soon after.

On my walk out, I didn’t see too much. But near the pond just outside the park gate, I saw a rather large Red-bellied Black Snake basking in the warm sun.