Malabar Headland – 5 November 2021

Posted on November 7, 2021 by Dave Noble

It was time for another visit to Malabar Headland to check on the progress on the nesting Peregrine Falcons. The weather forecast was not the best (some rain) – but there is some shelter available.

This turned out to be a most interesting visit. For the first time this season, I was able to observe a chick – but it was in a bit of a predicament. More on that later. For most of my visit, and adult Peregrine Falcon was near the nest area and I was able to photograph it taking off and flying around the cliffs. Continue reading →

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Walking in Royal National Park – 4 November 2021

Posted on November 7, 2021 by Dave Noble

For my weekly walk with Bob, we had originally planned to head up to the Blue Mountains (as we often do), but with an adverse weather forecast, and the bad weather coming to the mountains earlier, we decided instead to visit Royal National Park. Looking at the rain radar on the way, this seemed to be a wise choice.

Two weeks earlier, I had been on a walk with Bob where we had found some interesting Aboriginal art sites. This time we intended to look for some more. Continue reading →

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Nepean River Birds – 3 November 2021

Posted on November 7, 2021 by Dave Noble

I spent a nice day out at Penrith on the Nepean River near the weir photographing birds.

Here are some of the birds I saw – Continue reading →

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Northern Beaches Birds – 2 November 2021

Posted on November 7, 2021 by Dave Noble

This was another good day of bird photography in the area near Long Reef. I starred on the  sea cliffs to the south looking for Peregrine Falcons, but had no luck. Then I walked along the beach to Long Reef were I was fortunate to observe many great birds. I timed my visit for the low tide on the rock platform.

On the cliffs, I did spot two Nankeen Kestrels hovering as they scanned the ground for prey. Here is one of them. Continue reading →

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South Head Walk – 1 November 2021

Posted on November 7, 2021 by Dave Noble

This was a nice day out and about with the National Parks Association of NSW on a walk around the South Head Area of Sydney Harbour National Park. It was led by Brian Everingham. As well as looking at some management issues of the area, it was a good look at some early colonial history and also the change to see some great scenery.

In the party were Brian, Valerie, Sue, Suzanne, Chloe, Chris, Mary, Hean Lay, Rebecca, Colin, Ann, Alan, Dianne, Jenny and myself. Continue reading →

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Malabar Headland – 31 October 2021

Posted on November 4, 2021 by Dave Noble

Another nice day spent on Malabar Headland. I walked in from Malabar, arriving near Boora Point fairly early, around 8:30 am.

Things at the start were quiet. Very quiet. Except for the call of a Rufous Whistler. I went to the Peregrine Falcon nesting area and could not spot any birds. I was not worried, expecting one to be on guard duty, near the nest, and it was perhaps out of sight. But I had to wait till near 12 noon for one to appear. Continue reading →

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Cooks River and Barton Park Birds – 31 October 2021

Posted on November 4, 2021 by Dave Noble

After taking a day off to stay indoors during a heat wave, I was keen to get outdoors the next day. I decided to visit some of my local biding sites – the Cooks River and Barton Park.

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper

I travelled by bike and first visited the Boat Harbour. Both Tawny Frogmouths seemed OK. Continue reading →

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Burra Korain Ridge Walk – 28 October 2021

Posted on November 4, 2021 by Dave Noble

Bob proposed this walk – out from Blackheath, along Ridgewell Road, and then turn off and follow Burra Korain Ridge to the end. Then have a look for a slot pass, then return via a crossing of Crayfish Creek to Hanging Rock and Burra Moko Head, and then back via the fire road.

This turned out to be a really nice walk. Great weather, amazing scenery and fabulous wild flowers. Continue reading →

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Raptors at the Northern Beaches – 27 October 2021

Posted on October 30, 2021 by Dave Noble

I spent an enjoyable day in the Northern Beaches area, my first visit there for a long time. During the day, I visited three sites – and at each I was able to photograph some nice raptors.

I caught a B-line bus from Wynyard to Warriewood and walked the short distance to Rat Park. As I approached I could see an Osprey perched below their nest. The other Osprey, the male, was sitting higher near a light. Continue reading →

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Sydney Park – a Brief Visit – 26 October 2021

Posted on October 30, 2021 by Dave Noble

On my way home from Emu Green, I called in to Sydney Park at St Peters. My main reason was to see if I could spot any of the Buff-banded Rail chicks. It seems there are three surviving chicks (out of 5 that hatched), and they are now largely independent.

I soon spotted one Buff-banded Rail chick, and it was now much larger than the ones I had seen earlier. I observed it foraging in the one area for about 40 minutes. It wold often be out of sight – so it is possible that one of the chicks may have appeared and then another taken its place. I never saw two or more together. Here are some more photos – Continue reading →

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