Dawn Patrol

Skein of Geese Sunrise 1

When I got up this morning, I noticed the sun rising over the neighbour’s house and the sky was a lovely orangey/peach colour.

I just enjoyed it for a moment then got on with my first chore of the day; cleaning dog poop off the floor.

When I let the dogs out into the back garden, the sky was suddenly ablaze with the most glorious deep reds and pinks and oranges.

Sunrise 2

I dashed back inside and grabbed both my cameras. After all, I won’t improve with my Nikon if I don’t use it.

I quickly took several shots with my Canon, so at least I knew I would have some photos of this beautiful, coloured sky. Then I tried with my Nikon. I just set it to Auto, because I have found in the past that it is a bit iffy with skies, or (and this is most likely), I have no clue what I’m doing!

Sunrise 3

I took one, Great. I took another and the flash popped up. Are you kidding me?

Well I faffed around and got some reasonable photos, when I heard geese flying overhead. They were approaching me from behind and flying into the sunrise. Perfect!

I could see them clearly with my eyes, silhouetted against these gorgeous colours, but to try to capture them with my camera?

Unfortunately, I had switched my Canon off and even the few seconds it would take to switch on again would be too long and I’d miss this marvellous spectacle.

Spot the Birdie! Sunrise 4

There was nothing for it. I aimed with my Nikon and tried to keep a steady hand, as I watched the geese rapidly disappearing into the dawn. I got one click. This is it. But it seems to be in focus and you can tell the specks are birds.

Moments later and the whole sky was heading back to its usual morning blues. It is Monday after all!

Sunrise and Sunset are so fast here, you have to be quick, but it was worth it to stand out there in the freezing air, in my pjs, with no scarf protecting my neck, (I’d taken it off to de-poop the kitchen floor). I got this.

 

post script: A flock of geese in flight are called a skein; when they fly in a V formation they’re referred to as a wedge; and when they’re not flying, a gaggle.