Northern Beaches Birds – 8 October 2023

I ventured up to the Northern Beaches again, and visited three venues – Warriewood Wetlands (and Irrawong Reserve), then a quick visit to Rat Park, and finished off at Long Reef.

One aim of the trip was to try and get some reasonable photos of a Spotless Crake. One had recently been seen in the Warriewood Wetlands. I have recently got good photos of Baillon’s and Australian Spotted Crakes, and had looked for Spotless Crakes at Mt Annan without any luck. Previously, I had only seen one, from a distance, at Wentworth Common at Sydney Olympic Park, so I was keen to get some better photos.

On this trip, I did get good views of a Spotless Crake, but I did not manage to get good photos. The bird was a long way off, and I was shooting into the light. Despite some patient waiting the  bird did not come any closer as it foraged.

Warriewood Wetlands

Spotless Crake

There were a number of other bird photographs at the wetlands, and I am grateful for them pointing me out this Crake and some Baillon’s Crakes.

Baillon’s Crake

Dusky Moorhens

I walked up the track into the adjoining Irrawong Reserve. There was a Grey Goshawk flying overhead, but I failed to get photos.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

Golden Whistler

Eastern Spinebill

Superb Fairy-wren

Golden Whistler

Now walking back into Warriewood Wetlands.

Thornbill

Eastern Whipbird

And the Spotless Crake was still foraging – but still a long way off.

Rat Park

I then visited Rat Park and checked out the Osprey nest. Both the birds were there. I could not see if there are any chicks.

Long Reef

Pied Cormorant

This Osprey made a brief appearance, a fair way out to sea.

Great Cormorant

The tide was high, but I went down to the lower level. While I was there, an Osprey flew overhead.

It then flew out to sea.

I thought it may be hunting, but it soon flew back.

And it landed nearby.

It then washed itself a bit.

This is probably a sign that it has just eaten, so I was not hopeful of any hunting for fish. Not long after, it took off –

It then flew over the top of the headland – and attracted some escorts….

I then climbed back up to the lookout. I saw no more Ospreys or other raptors – Sea Eagles of Kestrels etc. And the whale action was a bit light –