Took a ferry from Palm Beach to The Basin and walked around West Head yesterday to get away from the navy invasion. (Sydney Harbour) Saw some interesting birds and heard lots of new calls but none wanted their photo taken. I saw the biggest Sea Eagle I have ever seen who flew past the Towlers Bay lookout at Pittwater easily a 2m wingspan. Unfortunately I was just approaching the lookout and ran up to catch some pics but couldn't see him after that. (hope it is an good omen for the NRL grand final) The best pics were from the trip to and at the Basin. There were four swallow chics in the ferry shed on the wharf. and a lapwing nest in the middle of the camping area at the basin (typical plover) The ranger has been nice enough to tape the area off so no drunken campers get spurred by the lapwings AKA spur winged plover (Check out the wing spurs on mum).
Ended up at Halls Wharf Morning Bay and caught the ferry to Church Point then back home to crazy Sydney. I couldn't believe how many people were in the city for the navy thing. All the arcades and malls were in lockdown and the bars were in open house. The streets were just human walkways.
O what a wonderful trip Richard
I love the tiny Plovers. I have not seen any yet
We went to the Cranbourne Botanic Gardens today. Masses of people who didn't give a F....K about birds. The Ranger had put up witches hats around a female Plover sitting in the car park, to keep people away. The poor male was running up and down to chase people off, he was very stressed. I stayed for a while to yell at kids and parents to keep their children away from the birds. But eventually we had to leave.There was a very nice young couple that stayed for a while after we left, just to give the birds a rest.
Thanks Richard, I enjoyed your photos very much.
M-L
Beautiful pictures. :)
Welcome swallows always have a special place in my heart, but the tiny plovers are so cute!