Nelson Bay

Our time in Newcastle was coming to a close all too quickly. We had to fly back to Melbourne this afternoon but took a morning drive to Nelson Bay for an early lunch and a wander along the beach before heading to the airport.

I spotted a small flock of Crested Terns resting on the beach and noticed three birds of different ages (with the adult not quite in breeding plumage).

Crested Tern (juvenile), Nelson Bay NSW
Pentax K-3, Sigma 300mm f/2.8 (x2 adaptor), ISO 800, f/11, 1/500

Crested Tern (immature), Nelson Bay NSW
Pentax K-3, Sigma 300mm f/2.8 (x2 adaptor), ISO 800, f/11, 1/500

Crested Tern (adult), Nelson Bay NSW
Pentax K-3, Sigma 300mm f/2.8 (x2 adaptor), ISO 800, f/11, 1/500

Meanwhile, Jo had wandered off down the beach and found some Australian Pelicans preening and resting by the shoreline so I joined in for a few shots.

Australian Pelican, Nelson Bay NSW
Pentax K-3, Sigma 300mm f/2.8 (x2 adaptor), ISO 400, f/16, 1/400

Australian Pelican, Nelson Bay NSW
Pentax K-3, Sigma 300mm f/2.8 (x2 adaptor), ISO 800, f/11, 1/800

Australian Pelicans have now taken over (from Red-necked Stints...on the other end of the size spectrum...) as my most photographed species, at least on this blog. It's hard to resist these magnificent birds...and they are usually so cooperative.