It's been nearly three weeks since my last post, mainly because of a ten-day trip to Scotland (which should feature in my next post) and processing the photos from that trip.
Last month, I invested around seven and a half hours at a known Tawny Owl location, without any results, so a tip-off from a good friend (thank you!) about another Tawny location just had to be investigated, using my car as a hide.
I hadn't been there long before I heard one of the birds (a male) calling and then a female also started to call. The calls of the male got closer and the Blackbirds started making a fuss, so I sat there in eager anticipation. My first sighting was when one of the birds flew overhead and up the road ahead of me and disappeared into a tree about 150 metres away.
I'd been there for a couple of hours before one of the birds flew into a tree about 50 metres from me, where it sat for a minute or so before flying towards me and over my head. Sadly, it was against white cloud, with a branch in the way. This is the best that I could manage.
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| Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) (female?) - Leicestershire |
After about an hour, both birds came from behind me and went straight into the same tree. Frustratingly, their position was awful, as you can see from the following.
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| Tawny Owls (Strix aluco) (male and female) - Leicestershire |
They both sat there for a couple of minutes and then flew back towards me, one passing over my head and the other flying into the back of a tree, only about 12 metres away. It popped up where I was not expecting it and I only managed to fire off two frames before it was off again. Sadly, my camera was still set for the birds in the 50 metre tree but, with a bit of work, I've managed to sort out these two frames, during which the bird moved its head a little. This is my favourite of the two.
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| Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) - Leicestershire |
Around 15 minutes later one of the birds was back in the 50 metre tree again, but this time a little better placed than previously.
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| Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) - Leicestershire |
It then flew up the road to a tree around 150 metres away and this was my last sighting.
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| Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) - Leicestershire |
I hung around for another half an hour, but there were no further sightings. It had been an extremely interesting and enjoyable four and a half hours, even if the photographic results are not up to scratch! My undying thanks to my informant for the tip-off!
Thank you for dropping by.
These are great and I thought I was patient. It was worth the wait.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Adrian. There's no skill in being patient - I'd trade my patience for your skill any day!
DeleteBest wishes - - - Richard
You certainly merit full marks for perseverance, Richard. Now if only you can get these Tawny Owls to stay put for about another six weeks!
ReplyDeleteSadly, David, it'll be out of my hands, but I'll do my best to introduce you to a Tawny when you visit. This list of target birds is building up now!
DeleteBest wishes - - - Richard
Great post Richard,the Tawny owl is one of my favourites,these are superb images.
ReplyDeleteLove the first and fourth captures,well worth the time invested.
John.
Thank you, John. I was enjoying the session so much that the time seemed to fly by. I'd have stayed a lot longer if (1) I wasn't getting a numb bum, and (2) I hadn't promised Lindsay that I'd be home for tea!
DeleteBest wishes - - - Richard
Hello Richard, your patience at last rewarded. four and a half hours is long but with great result. And your pictures are great!
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Roos
Thank you, Roos. The session was so enjoyable that it didn't really require patience if the truth be known.
DeleteBest wishes - - - - Richard
OK Richard, this is too much...........
ReplyDeleteYou have to tell me the truth...
You have a secret to tame owls or what??????!!!!!! LOL!!!
I never see a Tawny owl in day light, why should you?!!
These photos are wonderful and do show how difficult it is take pictures sometimes!!
You did a great job, this post is fantastic!
Keep well and...... keep the birds ready for David :)
Damn it, Noushka, you've discovered my secret - these are all carefully crafted models which I stick in various unlikely places!
DeleteDavid has already put in an order for one of the Tawnies!
Best wishes from England - - - Richard
Dead jealous of that selection of images Richard. It's so rare to see one out and about in good light. Number 3 & 4 are my favourites.
ReplyDeleteI was extremely lucky, Doug, mainly in having a good friend to give me the lowdown on these birds!
DeleteBest wishes - - - - Richard
Well done Richard, at last you managed the images, and don't complain about the quality. Your tipster at last came good even if it took a bit of time.
ReplyDeleteTitus
Thanks, Titus. It was well worth the time spent.
DeleteSee you soon - - - - Richard
Well done for being patient and persevering with the Tawny owls. I love the third picture, such a lovely capture.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. I hope your week is going well.
DeleteWell done my man! Glad you got to see them in the end?
ReplyDeleteThank you, Paul. I'm really indebted to the person that tipped me off on this one!
DeleteBest wishes - - - Richard
Beautiful birds... photos are too :-). Greetings from widny Poland
ReplyDeleteThank you, gentlemen. My best wishes to you both.
DeleteWonderful photos !
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lasse.
DeleteRichard, lovely post, lovely bird. Indeed patience really paid off for you with some wonderful shots
ReplyDeleteRegards
Dave
Thank you for your very kind words, Dave.
DeleteBest wishes - - - - Richard