Audley Walk – 21 August 2023

Posted on August 25, 2023 by Dave Noble

I again joined Brian Everingham, and party from the National Parks Association on a very pleasant day of walking in Royal National Park. We walked from the top of the hill, starting at the National Parks Office, and descended by the Bridle Track down to Audley, then returned to the top via the Honeymoon Track. The highlight of this walk was the number of different species of orchids we spotted.

In the party was Brian, Sue, Valerie, Deb, Ken, Neville, Vivienne and myself.

While we were waiting for the party to gather together, I photographed a few birds near the carpark – Continue reading →

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Ospreys at Long Reef – 20 August 2023

Posted on August 23, 2023 by Dave Noble

I spent a very pleasant day at Long Reef on the Northern Beaches. The main aim was to photograph the Ospreys. I did manage to get some reasonable photos of them, both perched and in flight, but few of them hunting for fish.

When I arrived, at the lookout, I met Eric, another bird photographer that I had seen there on previous trips. After having a chat, I started walking down to the lower level. On the way, through binoculars, I spotted a perched Osprey on the north side of the headland. I walked to the bottom and then walked along the beach to where the birds was perched. As I got closer, I saw there were two Ospreys perched on different trees. Continue reading →

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Back to Cupitts Lane – 19 August 2023

Posted on August 22, 2023 by Dave Noble

I was impressed with the trip to Cupitts Lane the week before, and decided to visit again o see if those same birds were around. Perhaps I could get better photos? Anyway- last visit there were plenty of raptors, and they are birds I do like to photograph.

This visit was good, but a lot quieter than the previous Saturday. Most of the raptors were very distant and there were no squabbles between them. Also – I did not see the local Azure Kingfishers.

This time I traveled to the lane by taking a train to Clarendon and then cycling the last bit. This worked out OK, but I must admit – I do not like cycling with a heavy camera – where it is in a backpack (like this time), or in a pannier.

When I arrived, and during the day, I saw quite few other photographers. Continue reading →

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Parkesvale and Voyager Point – 18 August 2023

Posted on August 22, 2023 by Dave Noble

This was a very interesting day visiting two areas along the Georges River. The morning, was a walk led by John Prats for the National Parks Association of NSW and the Menai Wildflower Group to visit the site of the historic Parkesvale Pleasure Grounds. After lunch, Bob, who was on the morning trip, and myself went to Voyager Point Reserve for a look. Both areas are on the south side of the Georges River.

We were very fortunate to have in our party Greg Jackson and Pam Forbes, local archeologists. They have been studying the site in recent years.

Parkesvale, named in honour of Sir Henry Parkes was a “Pleasure Ground” that operated on a point on the south side of the Georges River between about 1900 and 1915. Such places were very popular with people early in the 20th century. They offered food, music and dancing in a nice location. Continue reading →

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Malabar Headland – 17 August 2023

Posted on August 20, 2023 by Dave Noble

Sue joined me for another great day out on Malabar Headland. As usual. we were on the lookout for Peregrine Falcons.

At the start of the walk from Maroubra Beach, near the National Park entrance, we spotted a hovering Nankeen Kestrel – Continue reading →

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Birds at Sydney Park – 16 August 2023

Posted on August 18, 2023 by Dave Noble

After I visited Barton Park, I later went to Sydney Park to see what birds were there.

I walked around the ponds, and did not see too much of interest.

In the large pond I spotted this Australasian Grebe – Continue reading →

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Birds at Barton Park – 16 August 2023

Posted on August 17, 2023 by Dave Noble

I made visits to Barton Park and Sydney Park on this day. My visit to Barton Park was in the morning. The birds were reasonably active after rain overnight, and then a nice sunny morning.

When I arrived I saw the usual group of three Brown Quail. It is hard to get close to these birds however. Continue reading →

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Birds at Oatley Park – 15 August 2023

Posted on August 16, 2023 by Dave Noble

This was a pleasant outing to Oatley Park and Lime Kiln Bay. I was looking to see what birds were out, and also if any orchids were in flower.

I dint spot any orchids on my visit. Here are some of the birds – Continue reading →

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Manly to The Spit Walk – 14 August 2023

Posted on August 14, 2023 by Dave Noble

Showers were forecast, and understandably, some people had pulled out of the walk, but for the nine that remained – we had a fantastic day along the foreshore and bush of Sydney Harbour. And the only rain we had – was at the bus stop at The Spit. The walk was from Manly to The Spit, and was led by Brian Everingham for the National Parks Association of NSW.

We caught the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly. Passing the Opera House, we noticed a seal asleep on the steps. This is its usual resting place. Continue reading →

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Birds at Cupitts Lane – 12 August 2023

Posted on August 13, 2023 by Dave Noble

Many thanks to fellow local birder, Michael Crawley, for suggesting this trip and inviting me to join him for a day of bird photography at Cupitts Lane, in the Richmond Lowlands. We were joined by Lennis, and we had an amazing day – with interesting birds appearing all the time. The highlights were lots of raptors, with some of them taking part in aerial dogfights, and a beautiful Azure Kingfisher.

Cupitts Lane is between Richmond RAAF base and the Hawkesbury River. Some research shows that it was named after an early convict, George Cupitt. He was transported to NSW for desertion from the army. He was given a conditional pardon if he served in the NSW Corps. He was later given a land grant at Cornwallis. Continue reading →

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