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While out Whale watching this afternoon at North
Head, Manly (Northern Suburbs of Sydney, NSW) had the great fortune to observe
first a Peregrine flying along the cliff line, followed by a
Spotted Harrier. First seen close to base of cliffs,
directly below one of the lookouts, tightly circling to gain height until it
reached cliff tops and could fly away over the heath. Later seen again, in
low afternoon light quartering back and forth over the heath at close quarters,
unpeturbed by walkers. The combination of chestnut body & face, grey
flight feathers and black wing tips with half dangling legs was lit up
beautifully by the low winter afternoon sun.
First time I've seen this species over coastal
heath. A real delight to watch.
Is this an unusual record for Sydney or merely
uncommon?
Later in the day a White bellied
Sea-Eagle finished off an excellent raptor afternoon.
Matthew Taylor
PS Unfortunately, no
whales, although an Albatross sp. and Australasian Gannets were
present.
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