WYARALONG – A DAM GOOD DAY
Every day this man posts pics on Facebook. That’s because every day he goes out photographing birds. He knows where all the good stuff is and it’s in two places. One is the Scenic Rim, the other is Wyaralong Dam; that’s where I’m going to meet him.
The best pics are nearly always around sunrise but, that’s about when I wake up, then there are animals to feed. Oh, and it’s also an hour drive to get to the carpark where John, for that’s his name, is going to meet me.
I rock up in plenty of time before he arrives, jump in his 4WD and head off to a secluded area at the end of the pondage. There’s a parking area, a sign with information and not much else. I’m pleased I came with John as a guide, because I doubt I’d ever have found the spot. Apparently it’s a go to area for runners and off road cyclists as well, John informs me as a familiar jogger bounces past.
The entire area John scouts would only be about a kilometre long but he knows where all the birds are, the best times and when to sit down and wait (most of the time apparently!). We have a moderately fruitful time but John insists that, to get ideal conditions, we need to be here earlier; thus arrangements are made to meet again at an earlier time two days hence.
There’s still a bit of bite in the air when I arrive at the pickup point slightly pre-dawn, but I’m keen to get going. Laconic John just gets on with it and, as we alight, I’m taken by the mist caressing the surface of the lake. It infuses the dead leafless trees with a hint of magic and the birds I’ve come to photograph are forgotten. A partly submerged fence line adds to the allure and I’m off and almost running with my phone/camera.
The sun’s early rays sparkle in the dew and kiss the cloud remnants on the horizon giving them some delightful pastel shades that resonates with the foreground. As a photographer, you know when moments are special. The only problem is what to take a picture of first; there are so many competing images.
(continued nex pic)

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Top Wyaralong Hotel Reviews

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10/10 Excellent

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