Magic WTP moments

Dawn until dusk at the Western Treatment Plant yesterday for a fabulous photography masterclass. We managed to capture some beaut shots despite the overcast conditions. I’ll share some watery ones this week, along with a little ring-in that’s not a bird.

Sometimes luck is on your side as it was when this swan suddenly took off from the water’s edge. I’d have preferred a little more space to the left but if I had pressed the shutter button a nanosecond later I’d only have captured half a swan.

Eurasian Coot often look like pretty boring, solid black, subjects from a distance. But they are far more lovely than they seem at first glance. This bird was preening as I watched and fluttered its wings to resettle its feathers. Even the low light conditions were enough to highlight the beautiful warm glow of its wings.

Ready, steady… I love this pose as the White-faced Heron was just about to take off. I like its concentrated expression and how funny its legs look. Its plumage is pretty spectacular too and the obvious blues make it easier to understand why some people still refer to them as ‘blue cranes’.

This White-faced Heron glanced towards us as it took off. The splash of water from those long, yellow legs looks good, and I really like the curl of its dark primaries.

And here’s the little ring-in. I have been to the Western Treatment Plant more times than I can count but this is the first time I’ve seen a rakali, and we saw two. They are surprisingly fast in the water. I think the size of the bow-wave, and the amount of turbulence give an indication of its speed. I was pleased to get its little ears and its whiskers in the photograph, but it would have been very kind if it had turned around and starting swimming towards us.

Check Des’ website if you’d ever like to join us, at the WTP or maybe around the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley: https://www.australianbirdtours.com.au/bird-photography-masterclass 

And a final reminder about next weekend’s VAPS Annual Convention with some beaut workshops and presentations, including mine on why ethical bird photography is better for birds, photographers and photographs: https://www.vaps.org.au/convention.html 

Happy birding, Kim

~ Facebook page Kim Wormald – lirralirra – 11K+ followers
~ Facebook group  Ethical Bird Photography
~ Etsy – prints via me at  Kim Wormald lirralirra