I spent another full day of bird photography at the Northern Beaches area. On the day, I visited a number of sites.
The first place I visited was where Osprey had been nesting. No Osprey were at the nest and it looked like the nest was no longer used. This was the same as a previous visit. I then headed to the sea cliffs to a Peregrine Falcon nesting site. As I approached the nest area, I spotted one of the Peregrine Falcons perched on the cliff. When it saw me, it took off and circled around.
I was not that close to their nest, but when a Peregrine Falcon does this, its a very clear sign that the birds do not want you around. The bird was joined by its mate –
The Peregrine Falcons had settled down, so I thought I should not stay too long.
I then headed further north, to Rat Park, and to observe an active Osprey nest. Both birds were on the nest when I arrived.
One of the osprey took off and took short flight.
Then all of a sudden a Currawong appeared. It did not seem too friendly with the Osprey.
I wonder if the Currawong could have smashed any eggs? The osprey had been reluctant to leave the nest on previous visits. I thought they may have had eggs or chicks.
Then a bit of an altercation developed between the Osprey and the Currawong.
Things settled down again, and I decided to visit Warriewood Wetlands.
I walked up Mullet Creek, and on the way kept a lookout for birds. I saw a family of Pacific Black Ducks.
Now for some birds of Warriewood Wetlands and Irrawong Reserve –
White-browed Scrubwren
Gerygone?
Whipbird
Golden Whistler
Lewin’s Honeyeater
Dusky Moorhen
This chick seemed to require some “correction” –
Variegated Fairy-wrens
Bell Miner
I then made one more visit to Rat Park. One of the Osprey had half a fish. The other was not in the area.
There was also a Nankeen Kestrel hunting in the park.
Back to the Ospreys. The Osprey with the half-fish seemed a bit distracted –
It took off for a short flight.
Then the second Osprey (the male) returned with a nice catch.
I thought that with both birds out of the nest, then it is unlikely that there are eggs of chicks.
The Osprey were busy eating, so I grabbed another sequence with the Kestrel as it flew past.
The Osprey were still busy.
Both osprey seemed to be on edge.
The male took-off with its fish.
It tried to land, but was set upon by the Currawong.
Then the Currawong turned its attention to the female –
The female took a flight.
The male continued eating.
The Currawong seemed to get tired and left the Ospreys in peace.
It was time for me to head home.