Bird photographers

In April when we enjoyed all those long weekends I ventured out with my photographer on my first trip to Marievale (Awake with the birds). Soon after that early morning he convinced me, or twisted my arm, and I got my basket and my flask one more time. On this trip two of the other photo buddies were coming too...they were on a mission. It was a misty morning so most people stayed away from photography that day and we had the hide all to ourselves. Every trip they try something different to perfect their 'strategy' on the kingfisher :) These boys are determined and just a tad crazy!
I had a camera and lens again and did a better job this time - here are my pics 

Redknobbed Coot

This is what we came for the Malachite Kingfisher - a tiny little bird (about 13 cm long) that only stops long enough to swallow a little fish and off he darts again. Gorgeous little thing painted in brightest colors, he was and always is the highlight of the day.

and that was another beautiful morning with the birds and the photographers....

Awake with the birds

Saturday morning - 
We left the house at 05:00 .... why do photographers do everything at dawn? *shaking my head* if it was summer it would be 04:00 out of the house for the early sunrise...
Oh yes, they want to get that beautiful morning light, that glorious golden color.


So I joined hubby on his trip to Marievale, must be his one millionth trip there, he didn't have any of his usual buddies with him and with Tigs out of the house at a sleepover I decided to pack my flask and blankie and join him on this trip. This was my first. 


Marievale is a bird sanctuary and a real birders paradise and of course heaven for photographers. Perfect little hides right here at home (45 minute drive for us).
We were the first ones to arrive and book our spot. We watched the sun rise, had coffee/him & hot chocolate/me. Listened to the birds beautiful choir as they woke and came out to warm in the early morning sun.
It was a good morning! The birds got louder, I love their music ...

Hubby packed a camera for me but I think he put it on all sorts of crazy settings just to confuse me and to make sure I don't take better pictures than him.

So these first ones are from my cell and below are the ones taken with the Sony a550

Sun rise 

06:30  -  Sun rises now 

07:00 

The crew  of enthusiasts 

My # 1 Enthusiast 

The real camera photos - 

Redknobbed Coot

Purple Gallinule

Hottentot Teal

Cape Clawless Otters

Malachite Kingfisher

Common Stonechat

Black Crake

Cape Shoveler - bottoms up!

Buffstreaked Chat

Beautiful morning, loved it, thank you babes 
 xoxo