Summer Sunrise Photography in the Preserves

When was the last time you got up before dawn just to enjoy the sunrise? In the blazing heat of the Santa Clara Valley summer, early morning is the perfect time to get out in nature to enjoy cool air and the beautiful morning light, but there’s no doubt it can be hard to get motivated for this without some company.

In July, the Open Space Authority offered the opportunity to come and experience our preserves as the sun came up with “Nature Photography at Dawn,” a series of nine early morning hikes at Coyote Valley, Coyote Ridge, Rancho Cañada del Oro, and Sierra Vista open space preserves. The workshops were led by Seasonal Education Aide and avid photographer, David Mauk.

"I wanted to extend the opportunity for photographers of all experience levels to be in the preserves at a time that normally isn't available to the public, but when some of the most beautifully lit scenes occur and when many animals are out," said Mauk.

Attendees rose as early at 3:30am, to hit the road and meet at the preserves by 5am. They were a mix of photographers of all skill and experience levels, and nature lovers, eager to catch a glimpse of wildlife preparing for the new day. The groups hiked along some of the preserves’ most scenic trails to catch the early morning light coming over the hills and lighting the majestic oak trees on clear days, and, on misty days, burning through the fog. They spotted grazing cattle and a lot of wildlife including foxes, deer, coyotes, wild pigs, woodpeckers, owls, white-tailed kites, American kestrels, magpies, a golden eagle, and a bald eagle. 

Two local photographers shared some of the photos they captured at these events, Authority Docent Bill Adams (Flickr & Youtube) and Paul Dileanis (Facebook). Bill Adams has volunteered for the authority for almost two years, supporting these dawn photography hikes and past “Shoot the Seasons” events.

We look forward to planning future photo-driven events like these and seek out other opportunities to increase public access to the preserves. 

Want to share your love of nature or photography with the community? Sign up to volunteer.

 Sunrise through the morning mist at Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve. Photographer: Bill Adams.

Sunrise at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. Photographer: Bill Adams.

Peak rising from the morning fog. Mayfair Ranch Trail, Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve. Photographer: Paul Dileanis.

Sun rising over the Coastal Range and Henry Coe State Park. Mayfair Ranch Trail, Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve. Photographer: Paul Dileanis.

Sunrise view from the Mayfair Ranch Trail, Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve. Photographer: Paul Dileanis.

First light coming through the clouds, Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve. Photographer: David Mauk

Warm morning sun, Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve. Photographer: David Mauk

Sun rising over the clouds, Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve. Photographer: David Mauk

Juvenile White-tailed Kite with breakfast after the sun burned through the fog, Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. Photographer: Bill Adams.

Northern shrike, Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. Photographer: David Mauk

Cottontail rabbit, Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. Photographer: David Mauk

Expedition leader in action. Seasonal Education Aide, David Mauk, Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve. Photographer: Paul Dileanis.