I was time to go on a walk with Brian Everingham and others from the National Parks Association of NSW. Brian was leading walk from Bundeena along the coast track to Marley and back. As well as taking in the magnificent coast cliffs of Royal National Park, we would have the chance to see whales and birds.
It started out a pleasant sunny day, but later became a bit windy. I travelled by train to Cronulla and travelled to Bundeena on the ferry with Valerie and Sue. At Bundeena we met up with others on the walk and got a lift to the start of the track.
On the trip as well as Brian, Valerie and Sue B (and myself) were Helen, Sue W, Angela, Bronwyn and Catherine.
As soon as we started walking, we saw lots of birds. Mainly New Holland Honeyeaters –
Then, arriving at the Balconies, we started to look for whales. At first the one ones we spotted were very distant.
I photographed a Gannet flying past, and only raised when I was looking at the photo that it had been hooked by a fishing line that seems to be embedded in its mouth. Not good!
We could hear lots of Wattlebirds and also some Whipbirds. But it was only the Little Wattlebirds that would pose for a photo –
There is a new sign near Wedding Cake Rock (The White Slab) –
Near here, we sat down to look for whales again. This time some were a bit closer.
Arriving at Marley Head, Sue B spotted a distant Sea Eagle –
We found a good spot to sit down, have lunch and look for more whales at Marley Head. We spotted an Aboriginal engraving of two fish, one big, one small –
Some more whales –
As well as the Aboriginal Art, there is some Natural Art –
As most of the party starts moving off back towards Bundeena, I had a quick look for more Aboriginal engravings. Some I knew about –
And I also found a lot more that Had not seen before –
This one is a huge whale –
on the way back, we spotted more whales. All Humpback Whales.
We finished off with some coffee at Bundeena. A pleasant day out in the bush with great company. Thanks to Brian for leading.