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This morning I had wonderful experience at
Cape Solander on the southern end of Botany Bay (a little south of
Sydney). Not only was I watching several Black-browed and Shy Albatross
offshore from Cape Solander, but saw 3 magnificent Humpback
Whales only about one kilometre away from the rocks. One or two was
seen "breaching" (with enormous splashes) and the whales were also
seen tail slapping, blowing, rolling, diving, flapping its fins and tail etc.
There were several small fishing boats metres away from them and one fisherman
did not realise how close it came behind from his boat. I have never seen them
so close to shore.
Another highlight for the morning was seeing a
male Swamp Harrier displaying to the larger female over the
Metomix Swamp (near the southern shores of Botany Bay). It was seen
soaring much higher than the female, calling a high and short "kyeow"
repeatedly. As it was calling, it displayed making spectacular loops and circles
with wings in a stiff "V" as it plumeted down to the ground. At times
it appeared also to do a few flips in the air. I have never noticed these
Harriers display before and rate it as one of the most spectacular raptor
displays I have ever seen (one other spectacular one is that of the Pacific
Baza). 2 female Musk Ducks were also seen in this swamp aswell
as lengthy views of 2 male and a female Southern Emuwrens
perched in a casuarina, a Mangrove Heron, and many
White-fronted Chats at Towra Point nearby.
A good morning indeed!!!
Edwin
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