Malabar Headland – 11 October 2020

Another visit to the headland to check the status of the Peregrine Falcons. Both the male and female falcons were visible at the nest area, but no sign of any chicks so far. However, after a slow start, the Peregrine Falcons were quite active and I was able to photograph a number of their take-offs.

On the walk out, from Malabar, I spotted this Red Wattlebird –

When I arrived at the Peregrine Falcon nest area, I soon spotted both birds. First – the female, looking quite relaxed. This was at 10:06 am.

The male was further along, and I was able to get fairly close. The bird did not seem alarmed at all.

I could not see both birds from the one spot. So I moved around a bit hoping for some activity. The female gave some indications at 10:30 am, that it was going to fly –

But it soon settled down again.

Back to the male.

At 10:42 am it gave indications it was going to fly.

But it settled down again.

Soon after, at 10:45, more wing stretching.

But it settles down again.

And it now clearly looks unlikely to fly.

The female is standing up at least.

Back to the male.

At 12:09 pm, it does a poo. This is a good indication take-off is coming.

But it still does not take off.

Finally, at 12:30 pm it does take-off. I was ready!

It then flies off.

The female is still at its perch.

Some Dolphins pass by –

Then the female takes off. It is 1:37 pm.

Some whales pass.

Then the male Peregrine Falcon come in to land – on the ledge that the female was at earlier.

But then the female lands there too – and seems annoyed that the the male was taken her spot.

The male flies off. The female then starts calling.

I wondered if the female was calling to her chicks? Perhaps encouraging them to fly?

The female then takes off.

It flies around for a while.

Some Gannets pass –

The female then returns, but not for long.

Another landing and another flight.

The male has landed on top of the cliffs. I knew it would not stay there long.

The female takes off too.

It was now time for me to head home. The Falcons had been quite active later in the day and provided some nice photographic opportunities.

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