Malabar Headland – 20 October 2023

Posted on October 24, 2023 by Dave Noble

I was joined on this trip by both Valerie and Sue. We were all keen to see the progress of the Peregrine Falcons, and to see if they had chicks (and if they had fledged). We did see both the adult Peregrines – but only for fleeting visits. But we witnessed and extraordinary display by the passing Humpback Whales.

The temperature on the headland was quite pleasant, but it during our stay, it got very windy. This made it hard for me to hold a camera with a large telephotos lens without getting buffeted. Continue reading →

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Northern Beaches Peregrines – 19 Oct 2023

Posted on October 24, 2023 by Dave Noble

I was keen to make another visit to the Northern Beaches cliffs to get more photographs of the juvenile Peregrine Falcons. I travelled up and was soon on the cliffs. The three juvenile Peregrine Falcons were quite active during my visit – which was from about 9:45 am to 1:30 pm.

I was particularly after photos of two or more of the juvenile Peregrines interacting – flying close together, swooping at each other, interlocking talons and spinning around  at high speed in mid air. It is truly amazing to witness their aerial displays. Continue reading →

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Peregrine Falcon Talk

Posted on October 24, 2023 by Dave Noble

On 18th July 2023, I gave a presentation to the National Parks Association of NSW (South Sydney Branch) on Peregrine Falcons, with an emphasis on the breeding pair on Malabar Headland. The talk was presented on Zoom and was recorded. It is now available on the NPA website –

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Birds at Sydney Park – 18 October 2023

Posted on October 18, 2023 by Dave Noble

I joined Valerie and Sue at Sydney Park for a morning excursion. We wandered around talking and looking for birds.

Galah

Tawny Frogmouths Continue reading →

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Birds at Barton Park – 17 October 2023

Posted on October 18, 2023 by Dave Noble

I made a morning visit to Barton Park to photograph birds, but left early when it started raining (I got quite wet!).

Here are some of the photos I got –

Striated Heron

Pied Stilt Continue reading →

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Back to the Peregrines – 16 October 2023

Posted on October 18, 2023 by Dave Noble

I was keen for some more photos of the Northern Beaches Peregrine Falcon family that I had been observing recently. The young birds grow up quickly and their playground gets bigger each day. So each day they can be further long the cliffs and consequently harder to find. They only seem to be in the air for 5 – 10 minutes each hour on the average, so you need to be prepared to wait for some action. This visit, the weather was a bit unsettled as well, and I left when it started raining.

Again, I travelled up to Dee Why in a B-Line bus, then caught a local bus from the shops to the cliffs. Out on the cliffs I met a few other bird photographers including Adam, who I have met many times before. Continue reading →

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Looking for Powerful Owls in the Lane Cove Valley – 15 October 2023

Posted on October 17, 2023 by Dave Noble

This was an afternoon trip. I caught a train to Cheltenham, then walked down Devlins Creek to the Lane Cove River, then walked downstream to Browns Waterhole. I then walked up Terrys Creek and walked to Epping Station. I was looking for Powerful Owls and their owlets.

My friend Bob lives at Cheltenham, and he had recently spotted a family on Powerful Owls near his place and given me details of where he had seen them. So I knew roughly where to look. But these birds do move around a bit. Continue reading →

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More Peregrine Falcons on the Cliffs of the Northern Beaches – 14 October 2023

Posted on October 17, 2023 by Dave Noble

After the Tempe Bird Survey, and then voting in the referendum, I made my way to the Northern Beaches to see more of the family of Peregrine Falcons. I was after more photos of the newly fledged juvenile Peregrine Falcons, and in particular photos of them interacting in the air.

Things were quiet when I arrived, with only one other bird photographer being present. But during the afternoon more arrived including Sam, Fred, and Gavin, who I know from previous outings to the cliffs.

One of the juvenile Peregrine Falcons was perched on the clifftop nearby. Continue reading →

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Tempe Bird Survey – 14 October 2023

Posted on October 17, 2023 by Dave Noble

I took part in the Tempe Birdos survey on Saturday morning. The group meets at 8 am at the lower pond at the wetlands and then divides – one group surveying the wetlands, and the other surveys Tempe Reserve. This time, I was in the group surveying the wetlands.

As we  were gathering, one of the members, Ben, commented that from an analysis he had made of past surveys, we should have a fair chance of seeing a Black-faced Monarch and a Sacred Kingfisher at this time of the year. Well, we shall see. Continue reading →

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Malabar Headland – 13 October 2023

Posted on October 17, 2023 by Dave Noble

I made a visit to Malabar Headland to check on the progress of the Peregrine Falcons. I walked out from Malabar by myself, but later met Noah, another bird photographer. Much of the day was very quiet with not much action from the Peregrine Falcons, but the best was at the end of our day.

On the walk out from Malabar, I spotted a Black-shouldered Kite. It was flying to land on its usual pole perch. Continue reading →

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