This was another good day of bird photography in the area near Long Reef. I starred on the sea cliffs to the south looking for Peregrine Falcons, but had no luck. Then I walked along the beach to Long Reef were I was fortunate to observe many great birds. I timed my visit for the low tide on the rock platform.
On the cliffs, I did spot two Nankeen Kestrels hovering as they scanned the ground for prey. Here is one of them.
I was surprised to see a Red-necked Stint at the sea end of Dee Why Lagoon.
And in the trees near the Golf Course was a pair of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos. Here is one –
As soon as I walked to the lookout on Long Reef, I spotted a Nankeen Kestrel perched on the talus.
Then it was joined by second one.
Next, a rather dishevelled looking Osprey flew past.
As it circled around, it dried out a bit and looked more respectable.
Then it too was joined by another Osprey.
They did some nice flying together, but never very close to where I was.
I then descended to the rock platform. It was low tide and I could wander right out to the far point.
Here are three of the many Pied Cormorants –
And one of the many Crested Terns –
And here is a White-faced Heron –
There was also a Reef Egret hunting on the platform. This is the best encounter I have had with one of these birds. I was sitting quietly watching some other birds as it came past me.
It was the smaller migratory birds that I was keen to photograph, and I was not disappointed. There were a lot present. Here are some –
Ruddy Turnstones
The small birds are named because they turn over stones to look for food. Here there are few small stones on the platform, but they are still busy foraging.
Red-necked Stints
There were lots of these. Perhaps 100 or more. They are quite tiny and hard to see from a distance. If you spot them and then sit quietly, some often often come quite close as they forage.
And mixed with the Stints are a smaller number of Pacific Golden Plovers –
Some times the birds are “spooked” by something and they take off in a large flock. In the photo below you can also see a Grey-tailed Tattler.
And in this photo, you can also see a Ruddy Turnstone and a Pacific Golden Plover –
Then I went back to the base of the cliffs to watch the Ospreys again. I did see some more interactions, but again, they were very distant.
At one stage one was flying with a bit of bush.
And here there are three Ospreys –
I was hoping to get some photos of one diving for fish. But missed out this visit.