Photographing Barn Owls and Their Young
Photographs of Barn Owls and Juvenile Barn Owls in Lincolnshire….
Yesterday was meant to be nothing more than a quick stroll along a river bank before work at lunchtime, I almost didn’t bother taking my camera. Good job I did…..
Barn Owl
I never expect to see barn owls at ten o’ clock on a July morning, first light or dusk hopefully but not on a bright summer’s day. I looked up to see the unmistakable sight of a barn owl in flight, swooping over the river bank and over electricity housing nearby. I rattled off a few shots before it went off in search of food further down the fen….
Lincolnshire Barn Owl
Owl Over rape Field
Adult and Juvenile Barn Owl
Time for a quick check of the images…what’s that left of centre? zoom in…a young owl on the roof top! I looked up and there it was, hopping from pillar to post with carefree abandon. So I remained a good distance away, no photograph in my opinion is worth scaring wildlife for, especially the young but it did mean that the adult would return at some point for me to photograph again…and it did….
Hovering Barn Owl
Satisfied with what I had seen I set off along the river bank to stretch my legs by walking to the first bend in the river before heading back. As I returned I saw the outline of a white, rounded face behind a tree looking straight at me. I crouched down slowly, my heart was pounding as I realised how close I was to not one but two owls. Well I thought it was two until I saw another pair of nesting adults about a hundred yards away!
Pair of Barn Owls
Barn Owl in Lincolnshire
I didn’t stay long, a rapid burst of shots and I was off, two minutes no more. I felt privilidged to be there but it’s their home, not mine so I sneaked quietly down the bank and back past the electrical building. Looking up at the building and wondering what it’s purpose was I caught sight of…yes, another white, rounded face starring at me!! This is becoming tedious!!!
Juvenile Owl
Now I reckon this little fella had been a little too inquisitive for his own good, he gave all the impression of me aged seven stuck up a tree wishing my brother was nearby-or me aged forty two with a screwdriver in my hand wishing my brother was nearby! After a couple of sniffs and checks he settled down and watched me from afar, me with a grin bigger than my lens before setting off for home.
Young Barn Owl
A brilliant morning, I’ve been following these barn owls for the last three years and now I feel my patience has been well and truly rewarded. What a day!
These and other images can be seen at my photography gallery, please click here
That is incredible - staggering pictures - I’ve just been scrolling up and down them for ages.
I’m jealous but you deserve it - well played
Yours in awe Rod
PS: I note that one of them is ringed
July 15, 2010 @ 8:16 am
Rod,
Thanks a lot. I noticed the ring too, I know that the local trust has done a lot of work with barn owls in the area and we now have perhaps the largest concentration of them anywhere in England.
It would be nice to meet one of them and ask them about their work.
Look forward to showing you the spot. Look forward to getting a day off to show you!!
Miles
July 15, 2010 @ 8:38 am
Miles,
Wow - I am blown away by these wonderful photos. Such a thrill to capture those moments. These birds are so photogenic. They tell a story and I love each one of them - well done indeed.
Anne
July 16, 2010 @ 9:06 am
Anne,
Glad you like them, it was an amazing experience.
Miles
July 16, 2010 @ 4:46 pm
Simply beautiful, Miles!
Wow!
The one of the owl in flight with the flowers in front is truly amazing!
I’m glad you had your camera on hand tool
Laura
July 16, 2010 @ 11:09 pm
Hi Laura,
Thank you very much, glad you like them, aren’t they beautiful birds? I felt very lucky to see them, the photos are a bonus but I’ll never forget being there.
Miles
July 16, 2010 @ 11:39 pm
Superb shots Miles! Really impressive.
What lens were you using?
August 11, 2010 @ 8:30 am
Sam,
Many thanks, I was using a Canon EF 100-400mm USM. I love that lens.
Miles
August 11, 2010 @ 10:32 pm
Hi Again Miles,
Well that makes sense! I very nearly got myself that lens a while back, found a good conditioned 2nd hand one but missed it by half an hour.
Gutted to say the least!
Keep up the great work!
August 12, 2010 @ 6:24 am
Sam,
Unlucky! They’re a brilliant lens, great for close up too,
Miles
August 12, 2010 @ 6:50 am
Is there anything more riveting than a Barn Owl? I have never seen one, let alone photograph, not just one but several! Positively stunning photos!
Charlie
March 5, 2011 @ 3:24 pm
Charlie,
Welcome to the site and thank you for your comment. Actually I had the amazing good fortune to stroke one today! Up close they are truly, truly beautiful…without doubt my favourite bird.
I shall be posting more photos of birds of prey in the coming weeks including the barn owl so please stop by if you can.
Kind regards
Miles
March 5, 2011 @ 5:21 pm