Long Reef Birds – 15 December 2021

After a taste of raptors the day before at Malabar Headland, I thought I would visit another of Sydney’s headlands – Long Reef, for some more raptor photography.

I had a great day. The day before, at Malabar Headland, I had been after Peregrine Falcons, but had seen more of a Nankeen Kestrel. This day, I was after photos of the local Ospreys but I saw more of Nankeen Kestrels. I also saw a range of migratory birds out on the rock platform.

When I arrived at the lookout, I soon spotted this Nankeen Kestrel –

It was one of a pair, and one was flying around on and off most of the day while I visited. I then lade my way lower down and walked around the north side to where I had previously seen Ospreys perching. This time there was one.

It soon took off.

The Osprey didn’t stay around for long. I climbed up to the top again to photograph a hunting Nankeen Kestrel.

I then went back down to the lower level to look for migratory birds while the tide was low. This small jet flew past. It does not seem to have an identifying marks.

Here are some of the birds on the platform.

Crested Terns

Ruddy Turnstones

And in front of this Ruddy Turnstone is a much smaller  Red-necked Stint –

Some more Stints –

And some more Ruddy Turnstones –

These migratory birds were feeding together. Safety in numbers. Nearby were some Sooty Oystercatchers –

And here is a Little Pied Cormorant that flew past.

Back at the higher level, The Nankeen Kestrel was back.

Then an Osprey flew past overhead.

What is the Osprey looking at?

it was second Osprey.

And then there were three Ospreys!

A fourth Osprey appeared, but I was not able to get a photos with all four.

The Ospreys then left the area.

Later, when I was leaving, I walked around the northern side and spotted an Osprey that briefly returned.

And further around, one of the Nankeen Kestrels –