Sunrise at Long Reef

A few of us went to Long Reef, Sydney’s Northern Beaches, to watch the sunrise. My camera set up was more for the birds than for landscape photography, with my telephoto lens and no tripod.

Sunrise at Long Reef

Sunrise with 400mm lens.

Rays of light

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White Faced Heron in breeding plumage

White-faced Heron, Egretta novaehollandiae, a common bird throughout Australia. This bird is in breeding plumage. Breeding Plumage are usually more colourful feathers during breeding season, believed to attract the opposite sex.

Long Reef Tidal Plain

Tidal plain at Long Reef where waders feed. In the background the multimillion dollars real estates with a view.

Sooty Oystercatcher

Sooty Oystercatcher, Haematopus fuliginosus, a common oystercatcher in Australia. Easily disturbed. Not easy to get a closer shot.

Silhouette of Lucky

Silhouette photo of Lucky. The silhouette effect can easily be achieved by shooting into light, and deliberately under exposed.

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My Australian Birds List

Photography Equipments

Canon EOS 350D

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres).

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)

This photo was taken just after sunrise in Long Reef Aquatic Reserve, Sydney Northern Beaches.  Ruddy Turnstones are migratory birds, breeding in Northern Hemisphere, visiting Australia from September to May. These birds in the photo are having non breeding plumage.

It is supposedly very skillful in turning over the stones to find it’s dinner. These birds are very shy, it is impossible to get within 3-4 meters from them.  These small birds  are always busy moving around, photographing them was a challenge.

Life could be a very long and lonely journey without company. How lucky are these birds…

My Australian Birds List

Photography Equipments

Canon EOS 350D

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens