Friday 30 January 2009

Short-eared Owl fest

I had to go up to my Mum's to take her in to hospital for a knee operation this last week. While I was up there I took the opportunity to drive to the nearby village of Hawling to look for wintering Short-eared Owls. Up to four have been seen at this farm this winter. I tried a couple of weeks ago, but it was too windy. Yesterday afternoon it wasn't windy but it was quite dull weather. Not ideal for sharp photography, but here are some shots I managed to take. My brother Adrian and I really enjoyed watching this particular individual for about an hour as it hunted over a grassy field.












I think this has got to be my favourite of the five British Owls.

13 comments:

DeniseinVA said...

Oh my, I think I would do a double flip if I saw this magnificent owl in flight like that. Fantastic photos.

Anonymous said...

A spectacular bird Jen. The poor conditions aside, you got some good watching time in and they are great flyers. Good shots, under the conditions.

Eve said...

Jenny You did such a beautiful job!!! I LOVE the 9th picture down!! So fun!! Short-eared Owls are my favorite too...I love the way they flip around!
This was just great!

Anonymous said...

What a fun posting! Nice shoot'n!

Mary said...

These are wonderful, Jenny! I kept deciding one was my favorite...and then looked at the next and changed my mind! I really like # 4, 5, 9 and the one of the tail ( I lost count) 9 was my favorite..head tilted sideways. Such a beautiful bird! I really want to see some owls! What a great day this must have been for you!

Quiet Paths said...

Fantastic. What a series of exciting shots. And that is one handsome owl; I can see why you enjoyed photographing it.

Jenny said...

Hi Denise, if I was capable of doing a double flip I would have done it! (-: All Owls are fantastic I think, but there is definitely something special about the Shortie!

Hi Roy, thanks for that. I get frustrated sometimes with not getting the shot I want. Patience and time might improve things I guess!

Hi Evie, do you get many up there and if so, any particular time of year? We only get them in our part of the country in the winter.

Hi Steve, you're tooooo kind! (-: Even though they're not sharp photos, I still enjoyed myself.

Hi Mary, did you ever see my comment on asking the local bird club for places to try for owls? Sometimes clubs organise Owl prowls too I think. Just a thought.

Hi Christine, yes, I did have a fun time, specially after having missed out the other week. If I get another chance this winter, I might go there again.

Anonymous said...

WOW! Fantastic owl pictures! I love them in flight, nice work.
Chris

Jenny said...

Hi Chris(tine)(-: Thanks for dropping in on my blog. Glad you liked the Owl photos.

Adrian said...

Hey Wren

....you forgot the bit about getting stuck in the mud!!! lol. I told you the shots were good in the circumstances - I remeber that cold wind now all over again.

See you next week. Adgi

Chris said...

Hi Jenny,
Woow a nice sighting and some very nice pictures of it. Congrats, it looks like you got a ncie moment with it...

Jenny said...

Hi Chris, many thanks for stopping in to look at my blog. It was a great hour of watching this magnificent owl. I will hope to go back again before the end of the winter!

Shelley said...

One of the best series of photos I've ever seen of an owl flying! Wow! And I love how he's turning his head looking around (probably for prey?!) - just beautiful!!