I birded today with birdingpal Allan and a birder from France, Cecile in the forests north of Manley. I took the train (subway) from Summer Hill where I am staying to Town Hall. It was an easy commute and I met up with them at 7:50 am. From there we went north to Warriewood and Irawong Preserves. We had some of the regular birds and some new ones also, the Yellow Thornbill, Little Wattle Bird, Olive-backed Oriole and the very nice Sacred Kingfisher! The forest was full of bird song and there were many parrots (Eastern Rosellas, Sulphur Crested Cockatoos, Rainbow Lorikeets and the King Parrot which is just spectacular! We were looking for the Lyrebird but no luck. Several Galahs flew by but I could not get a good look at them, so I am still looking for a Galah lifer.
After lunch we went to several of Manley's beaches looking for seabirds. It was overcast, windy and chilly all day until about 2:30 pm when the sun finally came out and the waters became calm. The surfers were out in the rough conditions and the waves were huge.
Allan dropped me off at the Ferry to Sydney so I could take a water ride and while it was short, it was choppy until we got into the inner area where we sailed by a huge Celebrity cruise ship and past the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Bay bridge. No one was climbing it today, too windy. It was a big race day today, the Flemington, something like the Derby in the UK and many people were dressed with hats and dresses and men in suits going to the afternoon parties. There were lots of really lovely outfits and there was a big race party at the Sydney Opera House.
From the ferry I went to the Botanic Gardens where I met another birder and we looked for the Powerful Owl, the largest owl in Australia. We were successful and it took a lot of work and I had directions from Allan as to the location where the owl is usually roosting. It is a big owl and I was thrilled to see it.
From there a walk around with the crowds and the train ride home by 6:00 pm. I want to hit the sack early tonight as tomorrow Colleen arrives!!! Yipee!!! and we are going to the Blue Mountains and staying the night in Katoomba.
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