Malabar Headland – More Peregrine Falcons and Whales – 12 June 2023

Another fabulous day out on Malabar Headland. The last trip had been cut short due to approaching rain, and Valerie hadn’t been able to join us on that occasion, so another visit was arranged for the Monday of the King’s Birthday Long Weekend. Valerie, Sue and myself walked out, and we later met up with Michael.

The weather forecast was for a fine but cool day.

On the walk out, we saw this New Holland Honeyeater on the fence at the pollution pond.

Red-browed Finch

As we walked out, we spotted some Humpback Whales –

Another New Holland Honeyeater

While we were watching for Peregrine Falcons, we spotted a few seals –

And, eventually, a Peregrine Falcon arrived and perched on the cliff.

it was the male. It soon took off and cruised past us quite slowly.

And perched further along.

Here is a passing Kelp Gull –

And a White-faced Heron passed us –

Here we are, on the cliffs waiting for action. Michael, Sue and Valerie.

This small boat had good view of a passing pod of whales.

The Peregrine Falcon was still perched on the cliffs.

While we were waiting more whales swam by.

Then the Peregrine Falcon took off and flew away from us. Michael later located it and alerted us to where it was. We joined him.

Then a nice fly by.

And it landed back in the same spot.

Another fly by.

More whales.

Then the Peregrine Falcon flew past again.

Being a public holiday, there were lots of people in the National Park, and many of them were looking for whales.

This one is showing a fin –

Then another Peregrine Falcon fly by.

And the female had arrived. But so had a drone!

This is the female –

She did some super fast flying – stooping near us.

It was almost time for us to head home, so we slowly started to walk back towards Maroubra Beach. But one of the Peregrine Falcons invested the drone.

Luckily for the bird and the drone operator, no contact was made. But it is not a very satisfactory situation to see drones flying so close to the breeding territory of these magnificent birds.

As we were walking out. Near Magic Point, we saw this curious aircraft. Apparently it is a Edgley Optica OA-7 Scoutmaster.

And from Magic Point, we saw these whales breeching.

And a double breech –

And one more –

A nice finish to a fabulous day.