I am definitely more of a lark than an owl, preferring to wake early than stay up late. At this time of year I wake well before the dawn and see the sun rise on my way to work. To celebrate my first morning of a reduced work schedule I chose to head toward the lake for a lakefront sunrise. A steady breeze over the eastern hills provided a patient queue of waves anticipating a pastel wash of warm light.

My main target are always the birds. Just watching them brings me joy and trying to capture moments of their lives is my excuse for being there. The scaups seemed to be enjoying the warm new day as much as I was.

There are always ample opportunities to explore and the challenge of fast flying birds is a buzz.

Little black shags/kawau tūī are abundant so also offer some good opportunities to practice flight photography.

They are lovely subjects with their patterned feathers and emerald eyes.

The brightly coloured morning sky offered a few options for different backgrounds.

Over the summer some of the vegetation around the lake edge has got a little rampant and while crouched down in it watching the scaups, a pūkeko came wandering close and offered a an opportunity amongst the foliage. Normally this would have not been a very photogenic spot but by using the out of focus foliage to conceal the surrounds a nice focussed portrait was possible.

Photos with Nikon Z9 and Nikkor Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR