Picture of the day - April 8, 2008

The Gannet Colony at Muriwai Beach

Photo courtesy of Donald Shrimpton. Today's picture features the famous Gannet Colony at New Zealand's Muriwai Beach, and if you look closely at the tops of the flat rocks you'll see plenty of the "avian fishermen" enjoying a bit of rest and relaxation. Photographer Donald Shrimpton came away from the beach that day with this wonderful photograph instead of the gorgeous sunset that he had planned to shoot, and I for one am glad he did. The following is Mr. Shrimpton's story behind the image: "This photo features the famous Gannet Colony in Muriwai Beach at Auckland, New Zealand. Muriwai is one of the most photographed beaches in Auckland, and it is famous for its Gannet Colony, the surf, and its spectacular landscapes. It truly is another little treasure hidden within the busy Auckland City. Since this place is one of the most photographed beaches in Auckland, it is a challenge to shoot something that will separate my pictures from all the others. I really had to push myself to go out and shoot due to the weather, but it was a decision well made as the weather certainly added to the mood of the photos I took that day. It gave this scene some very interesting lighting and new dimensions. This photo was taken at 7:05pm, one of the last shots I took just before it poured down with rain. Although my main objective was to shoot the sunset, the rain made it impossible for me to stay for the sunset shot. However, after viewing this shot at home on my computer, I realized it wasn't a total waste of time. After all, I didn't get the sunset shot I had planned for."  --Donald Shrimpton   Click here to comment on this picture.   Visit the POTD Archives for previous "Pictures Of The Day"!     Submit a photo of your own!                                 Place the "Picture of the Day" on your website, for free! Why I publish the "Picture of the Day"