I joined Brian Everingham and party from the National Parks Association of NSW for a walk in the Bundeena Area. The original plan was to walk from Bundeena to Marley along the Coast Track and back, but a total fire ban meant increased bushfire danger, so plans were modified – we only walked out to The Balconies and a bit to the south, and then later visited the wetland at Bonnie Vale. Despite the modified plans, it was a very pleasant day out.
In the party was Brian, Valerie, Sue, Derek, Tania and myself.
We set of along the track, and early on we spotted this large Wasp dealing with a large Huntsman Spider.
Rather than eat the sp[ider, the wasp would lay its eggs in the still living spider. The eggs would later hatch and he wasp larvae would later have a ready supply of food.
And then at the Balconies – magnificent views of the coast.
A short way along, there was a Beautiful Firetail –
New Holland Honeyeater
At one stage a large flock of Little Black Corormants flew past –
While walking back, we saw a great display from some Humpback Whales.
And nearly back at the carpark, was a Horsfield’s Bronze Cuckoo –
The second part of the day, was at Bonnie Vale, where we visited the wetland. Here are some of the birds we saw –
Great Egret
Striated Heron
And we spotted quite a few Nankeen Nigh Herons. Many of them juveniles –
A flock of Variegated Fairy-wrens –
And more of the Nankeen Night Herons –
And a Dollarbird –
This Noisy Miner is having a sand bath –
And even more of the Nankeen Night Herons –
Many thanks to Brian for organising and leading the activity, and to Valerie for a lift down, and to Tania for a lift back (Valerie had to depart early for an appointment).