Well you can’t keep a good owl down, and now I know a little more about its habits I was able to find it early this morning. The ground was frosty, and the sun just coming up over the Downs.
I was taking photos of some sheep, and then a stone chat and some skylarks (I love hearing them in the morning), when the owl flew in over my shoulder and headed down the valley. I got a few not-very-good shots before I lost sight of it. I tracked its path, but couldn’t see any sign of it perching or flying. But it’s a short-eared owl and as well as those other bird things they do, they also do this. Yes, they hide in the long grass. I almost missed it, but there it was just sitting still.
We watched each other for a while, and then it took to the air. Once again I clipped its wings on take off.
But half a flap on and I got this.
Nice way to start the day. Cold, yes; but I’m not complaining 🙂
Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 7D Mark II and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens.
Darko
18 Feb 2016At first, I thought it caught something in a grass. Didn’t know they like to hide in grass 🙂
Words
18 Feb 2016Darko, yes they just sit there low down and nearly out of sight. So easy to miss them!
Joy flowers
18 Feb 2016I’ve been watching this owl since the Autumn and for ages mistook it for one of the newly arrived buzzard family. It was only today I realised my error when I saw it perched on a fence post. I LOVE it and long to take a close up photo to …
Words
18 Feb 2016Joy, I don’t get there nearly often enough but the owls are obviously a real hit with everyone who sees them. I hope to get down there again soon.