The Gap to Dover Heights – 6 December 2017

I caught a ferry to Watsons Bay and then walked out to The Gap on the afternoon. My aim was to look for the raptors I had seen earlier. It was stormy when the ferry left the Quay and the  rain radar revealed a storm was about to pass over The Gap area soon.

When I arrived at The Gap Bluff, I could see the storm approaching. I took a few photos and the headed south to a rocky bluff that I hope would offer some shelter. It did. I found a small overhang under a sandstone block – it provided refuge – just as the storm hit. Sharing the cave were (what sounded like) some Russian girls. It rained and I had to be careful – pools of water were entering the cave. But the storm did not last long and I was soon out and on my way. Continue reading →

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Taronga Zoo – Visit on 5 December 2017

Another pleasant day at the Zoo. I had heard about a new baby Chimpanzee – that was something to look out for. But on the day was being able to get some reasonable photos of a playful Platypus in the Blue Mountains section.

The platypus in that section are normally shy and hide from visitors. On my visit there was a Platypus in the large lower pool – and it was active – swimming about and climbing out the sides a bit from time to time. Here are a few of my photos –  Continue reading →

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Burning Palms Walk – 4 December 2017

A wet day was forecast for our walk from Garrawarra to Burning Palms and around the loop through the Palm Jungle and along the Coastal Track and then back along Garrawarra Ridge.

Brian Everingham had organised the walk for the National Parks Association of NSW. The party was Brian, Esther, Allen, Sheila and myself. The weather forecast prove to be correct, but the bulk of the rain held off till we had almost finished the walk.  Continue reading →

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Northern Beaches – Looking for Raptors – 2 December 2017

I had seen some photos posted on social media of raptors in the Northern Beaches area and thought it may be worth going up to see if I could get my own photos.

I caught one of the new B Line double decker buses up to Manley Vale and then headed to a reserve to look for a family of Eastern Osprey.  Continue reading →

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Wattamolla to Little Marley – Photo Walk – 1 December 2017

This was a very pleasant day spent in Royal National Park accompanied by David Hufton. We walked from Wattamolla to Little Marley and then headed back the same way after lunch.

Lots of birds, insects and wildflowers were out. Nice. And a few lizards. Continue reading →

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South West Arm Paddle – 30 November 2017

I spent a very enjoyable day in Royal National Park with Digi Dave paddling up the South West Arm of Port Hacking.

We started from Warumbul Picnic Area, which is reached from a side road from the road between Audley and Bundeena. Using this road you can drive down very close to the water.  Continue reading →

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Sassafras Gully Walk – 29 November 2017

I was heading up the mountains. Later in the day, I would be attending a meeting at Springwood, so I thought it would be nice to do a walk in that area first. I got off the train at Faulconbridge and soon found myself on the Victory Track on the way to Sassafras Gully.

Yellow Breasted Robin

I visit this area  lot  during the fungi season, and on those trips often see a lot of birds. But with a micro lens on the camera it is a bit hard to photograph them. So this time I was ready to photograph the birds rather than fungi. But, there was a deafening noise made by cicadas. Lots of cicadas! For a lot of the track it was too noisy to hear bird calls.  Continue reading →

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Wolli Creek Nature Walk – 28 November 2017

I spent a few hours in the afternoon wandering along the Two Valleys Track at Wolli Creek between Bardwell Park and Turrella and back. I was hoping to spot the Spinebills I had seen a few days earlier – but in this I had no luck.

Flying Fox with pup

Again, like the previous trip, I did see lots of Hyacinth Orchids in flower at or near Girrahween Park. Continue reading →

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Birds at Tempe Wetlands – 27 November 2017

I spent a pleasant afternoon at Tempe wetlands photographing birds (and a few lizards).

Red Wattlebird

I was unable to spot the rails I had seen on previous trips. They had been at the upper pool, and this has filled up even more, so the level is higher and water now covers the beach area that I had last seen one on.  Continue reading →

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Banner Event in the Gardens of Stone – 26 November 2017

I attended a large conservation rally in part of the Gardens of Stone Stage 2 Proposal. The event was organised by the Colong Foundation, The Gardens of Stone Alliance and the Blue Mountains Conservation Society.

Around 150 people came along for the event. The main activity was to unfurl two large banners near the rock pagodas in the area. Continue reading →

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