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Barn Owls at Dusk
Barn Owls in the Lincolnshire Countryside…
I can think of little more satisying than watching a barn owl fly across an open field and then hovering above its favourite hunting ground in search of dinner. I have recently come across an area of countryside which is home to barn owls, kestrels and the occasional sparrowhawk and watching them in flight is something quite special.
I have moved away from my usual parking space close to a stack of hay bales, I have seen a female fly out from the middle of them and am loathe to disturb her. Watching them can prove to be a frustrating experience, they have often flown over my head and taken me completely by suprise. Patience is a virtue and despite the return of the cold weather the numbness in the fingers soon disapears at the sight of an owl approaching…
There is little to mistake a barn owl in flight, it is so graceful that it is hard to imagine it can be such a ruthless hunter. The barn owl delivers a masterclass in searching out and capturing small voles, mice and rats and I will never forget the sight of one swooping down over my car clutching a vole. I love to watch them hover with such ease before plumeting down to catch their pray. The best time for seeing barn owls is at dusk but during the winter months when food is scarce they can be seen hunting during the day to avoid starvation.
This little fellow was stalking a river bank and the nearby roadside where the latter claims many owls from speeding cars. As I crouched behind some bullrushes it turned and flew towards me. My heart pounding I switched the camera to A1 Servo and fired off as many shots as the camera would allow. I am determined to capture these birds in a photograph worthy of their beauty, but that could be quite a task.
MIles
they are quite incredible shots - absolutely amazing
Cheers
Rod
October 25, 2008 @ 7:54 am
Miles,
Fabulous shots, well done. I agree, what a sight to watch and behold.
Elsie
October 25, 2008 @ 11:36 am
Thanks all, it’s a little difficult with a handneld zoom lens but being there is the most important part.
Miles
October 25, 2008 @ 5:01 pm
Miles,
That final shot is my favourite, he’s looking straight at you. How wonderful to see such a thing. You would like the albatross I saw once, very photogenic and thankfully slow and graceful in flight around New Zealand.
Cid
October 25, 2008 @ 11:39 pm
Cid,
It’s hard to describe how it feels to be trying to photograph one when it is coming straight at you. They are indeed a beautiful bird.
Miles
October 26, 2008 @ 6:08 am
Unbelievable! That guy (or girl) is locked right onto you. Their eyesight must be amazing. I guess that’s where the term “hawkeye” came from. Great photos! I’m impressed. Thanks for sharing them.
Melissa
November 4, 2008 @ 8:08 pm
Melissa,
Thanks-he/she nearly took my head off!!
Miles
November 4, 2008 @ 9:00 pm