I had been to Malabar Headland two days earlier, and that trip had been reasonable. Valerie and Sue were keen to see how the juvenile Peregrine Falcons were going, as they had not seen them since they had just fledged. I was happy to make another visit as I knew they would not be around for very long.
Well, as it turned out, we did not see any of the Peregrine Falcons – neither the juveniles nor their parents. Although at one stage we all thought we had heard one calling. As the chicks get older their flying improves and they range further and further away from the nest area. I think they all still roost near the nest, and they may rest and fly in that area if conditions are suitable. But, it also could be the time for the juveniles to leave home?
I looked back through my blogpost for last year to see when the juveniles left the nest area. And it is interesting to see that on 29 November 2019, I photographed a Great Cormorant on exactly the same ledge as the one here –
Back on that trip, I also photographed a Golden-headed Cisticola. Again, here is one calling away –
It was in the area outside the park near a pollution pond.
We scanned the cliffs from Magic Point to Boora Point and towards Malabar without seeing any Peregrine Falcons. In the early afternoon, we had returned to sit in some shady overhangs near Magic Point, and we all thought we heard one calling, but could not see any birds.
I am not sure if any further trips to the Headland to see the Peregrine Falcons will be worthwhile.
As we were leaving, near the carpark, we did hear a bird calling gently from a tree nearby. We looked up and saw a juvenile Pacific Koel.
The bird was calling for food. At one stage, a foster parent (a Red Wattlebird) arrived. But instead of feeding it, it seemed to be removing waste from the Koel’s bottom.
Then the Koel was fed.
Nearby was a New Holland Honeyeater –
We then headed towards home. On the way, we stopped off at Gough Whitlam Park at Tempe. After coffee from the Cafe, we went o na short walk to see the Tawny Frogmouth with the chick.
On the way we encountered this single Eastern Rosella –
The Tawny Frogmouth chick was visible, and seemed to be doing well.
We then headed to Valerie’s place and walked the short distance to check out more Tawny Frogmouths. No change at Younger Avenue –
The Willie Wagtails have abandoned their nest. Their young must have just fledged.
The Boat Harbour Tawny Frogmouths were all doing well –
Despite not seeing the Peregrine Falcons, it had been a pleasant day out. And thanks to Valerie for driving.
Was this Pacific Koel near the car park of Maloubra Beach? or of Malabar Beach?
I saw a pair of Pacific Koels at the car park next to the entrance near Malabar Beach when I visited there on 22 November. Your juvenile may be a chick of theirs!
The photos of Tawny Frogmouth are really wonderful! I can’t even sight them. Are there any tips to find them??
Maroubra Beach – south end
Boat Harbour Tawnies, Tuesday 8 Dec. at 3pm. There are FIVE Tawny Frogmouths today. An adult and two chicks (I think) in a tight group on the tree near the first house, on a branch two metres away another adult (probably male) and then another adult just a couple metres away on the same branch. A visitor? intruder? competition? All looking very healthy and peaceful.
I was there today with a friend after the Mudlarks Bird Survey. We also saw the five Tawnies. And one a short way downstream – in a tree near the seat (just upstream of the exercise area). Perhaps the fifth one was a sibling that had returned?