Malabar Headland Visit – 18 September 2020

This visit to Malabar Headland was a bit of a dull day – and perhaps not the best day to see and photograph birds.

I headed out to the Peregrine Falcon area near Boora Point without seeing too much of interest. I then started looking around for the Peregrine Falcons. I could not see any at first, but a short time later one landed on a ledge below where I was.

It soon took-off –

After a short flight it landed again nearby. This was at 9:58 am.

I watched a Gannet dive unsuccessfully after a fish –

I was still watching the Peregrine Falcon. At 10:44 it gave signs it was getting ready for take-off.

I had my camera ready for action, but the bird settled back down again.

The sea appeared to be boiling in places – this was due to big schools of fish.

And there were a lot of Dolphins around.

Three Little Black Cormorants flew past in formation.

Back to the Peregrine Falcon – more signs it was about to take-off. This was at 11:33 am.

Another false alarm! I went around the other side of it to get some closer photos.

More Dolphins –

More signs of a take-off being imminent. This was at 12:09 pm.

Another false alarm? Perhaps….  it settled back down, then it finally did take-off –

It didn’t fly far, and landed nearby.

I was watching it, with my camera ready to see if it would take-off again. But I started talking about the Dolphins  to some passing girls, and as I pointed out the Peregrine Falcon to them, it took off. I missed it!

It flew around to Boora Point.

I then stopped to have my lunch, and then thought a short walk to Boora Point could be worthwhile in case the Falcon was hunting nearby. On the way I photographed this New Holland Honeyeater.

I spotted the Peregrine Falcon perched on the top of the cliffs. I approached slowly with my camera ready.

I knew that the bird would not remain on to of the cliffs for long. So I was ready when it took off. Unfortunately it took off away from me.

It was now 1:19 pm. I went back to the Falcon’s nesting area. I thought it may return with prey.

Here are some more Dolphins –

I saw some whales – but they were very distant.

At 2:38 pm I saw this Osprey flying back towards Maroubra.

I waited till around 3:15 pm to see if the peregrine falcon would return. I saw no sign of it, so decided to head home. On my way near Magic Point, I saw the osprey heading back out to sea.