Sunrise and Jewel Coloured Birds

Ahhh, there is nothing like racing to see a sunrise. The only thing better would be actually making it to the destination before the event happens.

That was what happened Monday morning. I figured what the heck, I'll try for Holloways Beach but as I was driving up the highway the sun was already cracking the horizon. I had to do a quick roadside stop to get it before it was completely over.

Once I made it there and put insect repellant on in a rush I headed for the beach and was so glad to see that the sunrise prettiness was still there. Not a wasted trip after all. Not that it ever really would be.

Someone else was down on my beach, packing up their photography gear. Tripod, why do I never bring the tripod. It might make me look a little more like I have a clue what I am doing. Actually I find being in close proximity to people with all their fandangled photo gear just a little intimidating. I shouldn't, but I do.

I know I don't need all that stuff but it would be nice, just a bigger camera even. I do get some camera envy too.

 So there I was, crouching on the beach taking shots. Pretty sun, pretty clouds, oooo pretty rays of light.

I wandered around a bit, looking at the sky. The ground wasn't of much interest to me that day.

I watched as the clouds slowly grew in number. Pretty cloudy patterns in the sky.

Just relaxing, camera in hand. I think it is like a comfort toy, I am more relaxed with my camera at hand.

A nice start to the morning, a start to wake me up a bit and then it was time to think about heading home.

BUT then I heard it, that cricket like sound. THEN I spotted it.

The Rainbow Bee Eaters were here.

Actually I have seen them here before, last time I was trawling the beach around sunrise.

The first time I saw them however was at the Centenary Lakes. Then I didn't really know what they were but they were so pretty darting in the sun.

Despite being able to hear them almost everywhere at the moment they aren't that easy to find.

They a speedy, flitting little birds.

I think there were three in total hanging out at the beach near me, on Monday.

They would sit on the dead branches of a tree constantly looking around and then next thing they would be gone and then just as suddenly back, in another part of the tree.

They must have been having quite a feast.

Once the sun came out from behind the band of clouds it was easy to see why they have their name.

They are so pretty, shiny and have a few different metallic toned colours on them from blue and yellow to green and gold.

 

What a pretty find they were, flying jewels that they are.

Then it really was time to go (I had attempted to go a few times but every time the Bee Eaters would come back and I just had to take another picture or ten). The sun was heating up too much for me to be out in it. Mind you on reflection I should have just waited longer to avoid the 20km/hr traffic on the 80km/hr highway heading south into town.