Last weekend, Edin and I enjoyed a McLaren Falls photowalk organised by Kim Westerskov. Kim runs a regular evening on the first Tuesday of the month for photographers to share images and enthusiasm about photography. I had missed the most recent Tuesday as I had been up north on a pelagic trip photographing seabirds on the Hauraki Gulf so it was good to catch up with Kim on what was the first weekend of our summer holiday.

Eight of us met up and started our photowalk by walking down to the lake edge to look at the reflections and birds. For most of us the walk turned into a stop and watch as there was an abundance of activity and inspiration right in front of us.

Edin and I were largely distracted by the birds which comprised Mallards, Scaup, Paradise Duck, Coot, Feral and Canada Geese, Black Swan, Welcome swallows, Kingfisher, Kereru, Magpie, Sparrow and Spotted-neck Dove.

The highlight for us was when Edin discovered a tiny Australasian Coot chick that was being fed by it’s parents. This was my first decent opportunity to photograph one so we spend a bit of time lying in duck poop and being bitten by sandflies but the photos were worth it.

Watching the chick feeding reminded us that 3 hours had passed and lunch time was near so we retreated to the cafe for coffee and a meal. McLaren Falls Park is a great place for a photowalk. There is no shortage of subjects and on previous trips we have photographed bush, stream, waterfalls, flowers and fungi. This trip was all about the birds and resulted in some pleasing images. It was great to share it with fellow enthusiasts. Outdoor photographers are often quiet introverts so it was nice to have the opportunity to share a bit of time together talking after our photowalk.

Bird photos with Nikon D500 and Nikon 500mm f5.6PF. Photo of lake with Nikon D810 and Nikon 24-120mm f4VR lens