I always get up super early to try to see the full moon set. With the early sunrise of May, I set my alarm for 4:30 AM this month. Because the moon sets further to the south near the June solstice, I rode to a different viewpoint that allowed longer views to the south.
It's a big climb up to the viewpoint. I pedaled hard through the murky darkness, not wanting to arrive after the moon had already set. As I got close, I could see the clouds drifting near the moon. I really didn't want to be late after awakening so ridiculously early.
When I arrived, the moon was indeed behind the clouds but the clouds were moving. So, I thought that there was a chance that it would peek through before it set. I set up my tripod, got my exposures dialed in, and waited. While I waited, a Hermit Thrush landed near me and started singing. His song is my favorite on Earth so the morning was totally worth it as I listened to him in the pre-sunrise world.
As he kept serenading, the moon did peek through.
Thank you, Mother Nature, for helping me to keep smiling.
oh that is a good reason to leave the bed so early... such photos and such a feeling are a super reward ;O)
ReplyDeleteI think you have to be slightly crazy to get up that early LOL - but I totally understand the rewards being worth the effort. Nothing equals birdsong first thing in the morning, and the moon is fascinating to watch at any time. Enjoy your wonderful scenery :)
ReplyDeleteThat is magnificent (coming from someone who would love to get up early but miserably fails to do so most of the time).
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeletePeekaboo!!! well done you. YAM xx
Totally gorgeous photo. Well worth the effort. (Easy to say if you didn't actually make the effort!)
ReplyDeleteThis post reminded me of the Thomas Hardy poem 'The Darkling Thrush'? It's sort of relevant to todays post, although the thrush in this poem was singing in the evening not the morning. But anyway it's one of my favourite poems ever.
Cheers, Gail.
Smiling From Ear To Ear
ReplyDeleteCheers
P.S. BLK Dog Treats Please
for me to be super insane it would involve seeing the moon rise at night. this moon appeared to me to be the biggest i have ever seen. hubby thinks it is because all the mess is gone from the atmosphere and it was a clear sky.... i popped over to youtube and listened to the hermit thrush and it does have a sweet whistle
ReplyDeleteNow that shot is worth getting up early for! Gorgeous, KB!
ReplyDeleteThe beauty is sure smile-worthy! Thanks for joining the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
ReplyDeleteThank you for getting up early to get such a great shot (so we can sleep)! Your photos make me smile.
ReplyDeleteYes thank you for getting up early to share this. I was up early and at the grocery store (senior citizens Thursday) by 6:45...but I saw nothing like this.
ReplyDeleteI must google the hermit thrush song
Hugs Cecilia
KB Mr. H. Thrush has a beautiful voice. I'm pretty sure I've never heard that here...and he is handsome too
ReplyDeleteI agree, Mother Natures makes me smile too.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous Thankful Thursday. Scritches to the pups. ♥
Stunning! Even with out the moon in it's full glory you got a beautiful shot. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThat was worth getting up early. A gorgeous photo..and feeling to set you up for the day.
ReplyDeleteWhat a breathtaking image. LOVE alpenglow images-we don't see so many of them much any more.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful!!! And we benefit with these photos from your early risings:)
ReplyDeleteWow! Definitely worth the early rising!
ReplyDeleteYour efforts were richly rewarded
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful capture. I love the call of the thrushes. We often have Wood Thrush around us and can hear their calls even though we rarely see them.
ReplyDeleteI've heard of a hermit crab, but never a hermit thrush. Will have to google their song.
ReplyDelete