Cape Baily Walk – 12 October 2023

Valerie joined me for a walk in Kamay-Botany Bay National Park. I had walked there about this time last year and had seen a very good display of Flannel Flowers, and I was hoping they would be as good this season. They were! in fact they were absolutely amazing – I think the best display of the usual white Flannel Flowers (Actinotus helianthi) that I have ever witnessed.

Valerie drove both of us to the carpark at the end of the Potter Point Road. While we were getting out of her car, we spotted a juvenile Black-shouldered Kite hunting nearby.

When the Kite flew off, we started on our way north along the coast. This took us through a large open rocky area. Sydney’s sandstone is very special!

On our way, we spotted a number of Australasian Pipits. Here is one –

I had seen Peregrine Falcons along these cliffs on previous visits. This time we were not able to spot one.

Close to the historic Cape Baily Lighthouse, the Flannel Flowers started.

Another Australasian Pipit –

The Flannel Flowers were at their best between the lighthouse and Blue Hole Hap.

Here we are walking around the first of two zawns –

We stoppe for a snack. While were ate, we spotted some passing Humpback Whales –

This is the second zawn, which is named as “Blue Hole Hap” on the display maps in the Park.

Nearby is small pond.

And small sandy desert.

Then more Flannel Flowers.

We then started walking back. A very hot day had been forecast, but we had cool sea breeze all the time of our visit.

Conospermum ellipticum –

Near the lighthouse, we got brief glimpse of a Peregrine Falcon flying past at high speed.

We stopped nearby on the cliffs for out lunch. But we didn’t see the Peregrine Falcon again while we ate.

But a bit later we spotted a Nankeen Kestrel –

It had been a very good excursion. But it was not finished. On our way home, we stopped off to look at the birds at Woolooware Bay. I will post some photos in the next Blogpost.