Raptors and Whales at Malabar Headland National Park – 2 October 2018

Posted on October 6, 2018 by Dave Noble

I wanted to make a visit to Malabar Headland National Park during the week, but looking at the NPWS Alert Page showed that it would be closed most days due to nearby  shooting at the adjacent rifle range. Its a shame it is closed during the school holidays, when it could be enjoyed by family groups. The only day open after the long weekend would be the Tuesday.

So that was the day I made my visit. The weather was not ideal – a bit windy. But it turned out to be a very good day – especially for whales. Quite a number cruised past the headland on their way south – some of them breaching quite close.  Continue reading →

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SUBW – PBT – Kowmung River – 29 September – 1 October 2018

Posted on October 6, 2018 by Dave Noble

Over the long weekend I attended the Sydney University Bushwalkers President’s Bludge Trip. By club tradition this walk goes to the Kowmung River on the long weekend in October.

It normally attracts a reasonable number of people and the camaraderie means a good time is had by all. The Kowmung River is a  beautiful place to visit, and its often at its best in Spring before the weather becomes too hot. This years trip was led by club president, Stella, with organisational help from Ashley. Thanks to both of them. Continue reading →

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Liversidge Hill and Rigby Hill – 27 September 2018

Posted on October 5, 2018 by Dave Noble

I suggested a walk to Bob to go to a vantage point on the far end of Liversidge Hill above the northern side of the Grose Valley to look at a detached pinnacle.

I had seen this pinnacle many times from near Thor Head on the south side of the Grose Valley. From there you can get a distant vie of the pinnacle. Although it is a fair way away, you do see the profile of the pinnacle and its detached nature. From closer vantage point like Burra Moko Head the pinnacle is hard to discern – it blends in with the cliffs behind it. And note I said “near Thor Head” to get a good view of it. You cannot see it from Thor Head itself or from nearby Asgard Head. But can also get a similar view on the approach to Valhalla Head.  Continue reading →

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Royal National Park – Wattamolla, Maianbar and Audley – 26 September 2018

Posted on October 5, 2018 by Dave Noble

I spent a pleasant day in Royal National Park with Digi Dave. I had told him about the dead whale washed up at Wattamolla and we interested to see if any sharks were feeding on it. They had been a few days before.

However, when we arrived at Wattamolla, we heard that the whale carcass had been towed out to sea early that morning. Nevertheless, we walked out to Providential Point for some photography.  Continue reading →

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Raptors of the Northern Beaches – 25 September 2018

Posted on October 4, 2018 by Dave Noble

After seeing the return of some migratory birds recently at Landing Lights Wetland and Bicentennial Park I wondered if there would be any on Long Reef Headland between Dee Why and Collaroy.

Black-shouldered Kite

You can only visit the far part of Long Reef when the tide is low, and checking tide information this would happen in the mid afternoon on the day of my visit. Se before then, that would give me time to check out some of the raptors in the area. Continue reading →

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More Peregrine Falcons at Malabar Headland – 24 September 2018

Posted on October 4, 2018 by Dave Noble

I made another trip to Malabar Headland National Park, and was rewarded with some great observations of the resident pair of Peregrine Falcons.

On my last visit, I had seen one of the birds, probably the male, return with some food (a just killed and plucked bird) and then fly past their nest area and call for its mate. The female then flew out and a mid-air food exchange took place. On this visit I was able to witness this twice.  Continue reading →

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Birds at Bicentennial Park – 22 September 2018

Posted on October 4, 2018 by Dave Noble

I spent an interesting day at Bicentennial Park at Homebush Bay – mainly photographing the birdlife. The afternoon before I had been at the Landing Lights Wetland and had seen some of the migratory birds had arrived. I thought there may be also some of these at Bicentennial  Park. This turned out to be correct.

Sharp-tailed Sandpipers

Here are some of the birds I saw. First the usual residents –  Continue reading →

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Landing Lights Wetland – 21 September 2018

Posted on October 4, 2018 by Dave Noble

I had spent the morning at Tempe Wetlands and then had lunch at Dulwich Hill with two friends Roger and Digi Dave. After lunch, Digi Dave was keen for some bird photography, so we headed to Landing Lights Wetland at Barton Park.

Black-fronted Dotterel

We spent the afternoon at the Wetlands and their surrounds. Quite a few birds were around. Continue reading →

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Tempe Wetlands – 21 September 2018

Posted on October 4, 2018 by Dave Noble

I was meeting friends for lunch, but that left the morning free for some local photography, so I headed to the Tempe Wetlands to see what was out.

I spent a very enjoyable two hours there. I photographed some of the usual honeyeaters –  Continue reading →

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Illawarra Escarpment Walk – 20 September 2018

Posted on October 4, 2018 by Dave Noble

I had completed the Illawarra Coastal Walk from Stanwell Park to Sublime Point and then to Austinmer last year, and was keen to do it again. I had suggested it to Bob that we do it some time, and the wildflower season seemed a good time.

Bob at Sublime Point

So we caught a train to Stanwell Park. From the station, we crossed to the other platform and then started off along the Wodi Wodi Track. A short way up, we took the left hand branch which heads south. The other branch climbs to the escarpment. Continue reading →

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