Blue Hour on the Broward
They say the darkest hour is just before dawn. It is also one of the most serene moments of the day. Some call this the blue hour. Per on line sources “The blue hour is the period of twilight during dawn each morning and dusk each evening when the sun is a significant distance below the horizon and the residual, indirect sunlight takes on a predominantly blue hue. This effect is caused by the relative diffusibility of short blue wavelengths of light versus the longer red wavelengths. During the "blue hour" (typically the period is about 40 minutes in length), red light passes straight into space while blue light is scattered in the atmosphere and therefore reaches the earth's surface. Because of the quality of the light, artists and photographers treasure this period.
The setting (or rising) moon over the Broward in the blue hour is one of my favorite scenes. The birds are often up and active during this time. However, it is often too dark for bird photography. I have a professional photographer friend in Amelia Island (Dawna Moore) who specializes in this blue hour photography and I plan to take some lessons from her soon. In the meantime I sip my coffee and wait for the golden rays of the sun to light up the marsh. That is when the Pied-billed Grebes, Cormorants, and other birds catch the golden glow of the morning. Sky blues are deep and rich, earth tones are bathed in gold, and when there is no wind it makes for beautiful reflection photos. Here come the Pied-billed Grebes now (seems like they are having a bit of a discussion). Apparently these two are a mating pair. Wish I know what they were “discussing”.
Birds like these little Pied-billed Grebes show a lot of the same emotions as people to me. I can tell when they are happy, or angry, or bothered, or just plain at ease with the world. And unlike us they don’t pay taxes or have to worry where the next meal is coming from. They just never seem "Blue". We could take a lesson sometimes. Be blessed. Harry
"Full Moon Rising" by my friend and professional photographer Dawna Moore with permission...one of her many specialties is teaching Blue Hour Photography
My attempt at Blue Hour on the Broward, Full moonset prior to dawn..
Moon reflects over the Broward at Dusk..Saltbushes in bloom..
Mating Pair of Pied-billed Grebes having a little discussion..(click on photo to enlarge for full effect)
I guess she didn't hear him right the first time...just like a married couple huh?
I guess they made up and are speaking again!
The golden hour follows the Blue hour when low angle golden light fills the marsh..
Sky Blues seem deep and rich right after dawn as this little Pied-billed Grebe gets ready to feed..
I think I see a fish!
Tax free breakfast on the Broward..life is good!
A cormorant surfaces in the golden light of morning..
Won't be long before spring is here..
The Pied-billed Grebe didn't see its shadow so Spring will be here 20 Mar 16 rain or shine..