It was nice to spend a day out on Malabar Headland again. This time I was with Valerie and Sue. We were looking for Peregrine Falcons and Whales. Well – we did not see any whales at all, but we did see two Peregrines.
It was sunny weather, but very windy. It was a cold wind coming from the south. This resulted in big seas, and that was probably why we didn’t see any whales.
We spent most of our time on the sheltered north side of the headland. It was quite pleasant out of the wind, sitting in the Sun, and waiting for some action. We spotted the two Peregrine Falcons soon after we arrived near Boora Point – perched on the cliffs about 100 m apart. This was about 10:15 am.
This second one, did stretch its wings once or twice about 11:15 am. Was it about to take off?
At 11:30 am it did take off.
It did not fly away, but flew into the hidden nest area. Meanwhile the first Peregrine Falcon was still perched in the same spot –
We waited around, and had lunch.
We then went for a walk around Boora Point. That was when we realised how strong the wind was. We walked back via the old munitions railway formation. It was quite wet in the cutting.
Back at the nest area, the first Peregrine Falcon was still at its same perch. It was now about 1:15 pm.
Sue then spotted the second Falcon suddenly land on a nearby ledge. This was about 2 pm.
It was easier to watch than the first one. It moved around a bit.
Then we looked down, and saw the first one was flying. It was just after 2 pm.
It flew a short way towards the sea, then circled around.
And another circuit –
It landed back in the nest ledge (out of sight). While we were watching the second Falcon had also flown away somewhere. Perhaps it had gone to the nest ledge too? Anyway, about a minute later, one of them flew out for another circuit.
We waited around a bit more, but there was no more flying while we were there. All my photos of the Peregrine Falcons in flight would have been shot in a few minutes of total flight time. And we were at the spot watching for at least four hours.
It was time to walk back to Maroubra. The wind kept many of the small birds and all the sea birds away.
Back near the beach we spotted this White-faced Heron –
Thanks to Valerie and Sue for great company on the day, and for Valerie for driving us all to Maroubra and back.