So much time in the grass
January 2023
Wurruma Swamp at 6am, November 2020.
When I am trying to photograph birds I often take cover low in the grass. Even when the birds see me if I am low enough they seem to not be as worried by my presence. An early morning arrival to a place like Wurruma Swamp allows me to get in place before sunrise and avoid having to walk up close. I wait for them to come.
Dew in the grass at Wurruma Swamp early morning, December 2023.
Being in the grass early morning means I am usually getting wet. I drive my wife crazy with the river and swamp water I come home smelling of :)
At Wurruma Swamp there are many birds that are also in the grass early morning like the Wandering Whistling Ducks. No matter how quiet I am these birds usually fly off.
I might be there to watch birds but often the birds are watching me. Comb Crested Jacanas are a bird that might scare quite easily but it will often later come back as this one did. That beautiful morning light I am waiting for you can see in the second photo of the Jacana.
At Wurruma birds are not the only animals in the grass. Others both living and dead are present. Dead turtles, young calves and kangaroos all share the grass with me on most mornings.
As the sun rises extra light means I am able to increase my shutter speed and freeze fast moving objects in time. Dragonflies are one of the objects I pass the time with in the grass.
Wurruma Swamp, April 2021.
If you are a regular to this blog then you will know what I go to Wurruma for, to watch the Black Swans. If I am patient they come very close even after they have spotted me.
Cygnet at Wurruma Swamp, November 2022.
Late 2022 and early 2023 has been my best time so far with the Swans at Wurruma. I have come to know very well a couple of birds that have had 4 cygnets. Such a gift when wild animals come so close and let me observe them.