It was fantastic to be back at Lake Inverell Reserve in northern New South Wales recently, with some quality time on my hands for photography. This time around I enjoyed a much closer view from the perspective of a telephoto zoom lens.
Sony’s 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS is a welcome addition to my kit. It’s mainly intended for more detailed landscape work, but the extra focal length has opened the door to some more serious nature photography.
It was a nice change on this occasion to switch my focus to the diverse birdlife on and around the lake. With this type of lens on hand I found myself to be more receptive to the sounds and activity of birdlife that might otherwise escape my attention.
I’m far from being an expert on birds or bird photography, but I confess I’ve been drawn by the addictive nature of this very engaging discipline – no doubt evident from my social media feed lately 🙂
This nature sanctuary on the eastern outskirts of Inverell, and the bordering grassy woodlands of Barayamal National Park are easily accessible locations to spot a variety of species, from tiny woodland birds to large waterbirds.
I had the pleasure of bumping into Heinrich Haussler of JA Adventure Kayaking Tours, whose obvious appreciation and wonderful photography of the lake’s wildlife is to be admired.
Heinrich kindly tipped me off on the White-bellied Sea-Eagles that were nesting along the river. The opportunity to photograph these majestic creatures was too good to pass up, so an early morning paddle was arranged to the top end of the lake, and upstream on the Macintyre River.
The aquatic route has to be the best way to take in the abundant wildlife of the lake and river, with an early morning start highly recommended.
I succeeded not only in keeping myself and the camera dry, but also in capturing some shots of the sea-eagles from the kayak. This was easily the highlight of the visit.
Black swans were also in residence in good numbers. Being springtime, it was the perfect time to see fluffy grey cygnets on the water.
The new viewing platform, boardwalk and kayak launching facility are impressive additions to the facilities at Lake Inverell, and are already very popular with visitors.
More images follow with a colourful sunset finale:
Just for good measure, I also managed to capture a spectacular spring sunset over the lake.
After the year we’ve just been dealt, I’m reminded more than ever that moments like this are not be taken for granted. It’s over to you to imagine the soundtrack of chirpy Australian Reed-warblers and a chorus of frogs that accompanied this late burst of colour.
Image specs & prints
Images featured in this story were captured in September & November 2020 with Sony a7R II & Sony a7R III + Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens. Sunset images with Sony a7R II + Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM.
CLICK HERE for information on pigment ink archival prints from Girt By Sea Photography.
