Symphony in the outback

I am standing in an amphitheatre, surrounded by an orchestra of bird song.

 

I had remembered Annabelle mentioning the birds at sunrise at Glen Helen Gorge. When I awoke in the darkness, unsure of the time, I'd heard just one bird, looked out of the tent and saw the sky was just beginning to lighten. I needed my torch to find the path through the tall grass and reeds and over the sand and loose river stones.

 

Now, I am standing on a small sandy beach, still water, a sliver of a waning moon reflected, music increasing from all directions - surround sound.

 

From the darkness I hear a low throaty warning bark. Then another. I turn on my torch and scan the reeds. Nothing. No movement. Dingoes? No, silly - dingoes don't bark. A wild dog perhaps? What will I do if it rushes at me from the reeds? I hear it again amongst the chorus of bird song.

 

The light slowly increases. Perfect still reflections of glowing red cliffs. I see black swamp hens fossicking on the reed beds - the source of the bark.

 

The melodious symphony continues. I try not to take photos but it is irresistible. I must capture something of this moment. The stillness. The colours. The peace. The joyfulness. But the sound will remain inside my memories.

 

Back at camp - delicious porridge for breakfast before heading off to Ormiston Gorge.