Just occasionally all the hours spent watching wildlife stack up, and the fates look kindly on you. Today was one such day.
I was up and about early, and the sun was shining. I visited my usual haunts and took a look at one of the regular jackdaw roosts. But it wasn't a jackdaw that was using it. It was this stunningly beautiful barn owl. I froze, and watched for about 17 seconds before retreating to avoid causing any disturbance. Apart from one brief sighting a few years ago of a short-eared owl (at a distance) this is a major league first for me.
The rest of the day had included some nice shots of a playful blackbird, a decent swooping blue tit and a heron being mobbed by gulls… but for once there is only one bird that is going to make the page.
Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 7D EF and 400mm f/5.6L USM lens.
21 Comments
Magdalena writes:
Amazing! I first thought it was a toy owl!
Magdalena, no it's real. I was stunned!
Kate writes:
Wow how cool! Hope he doesnt hurt himself on the old sharp iron bits, but how clever of him to find such a nice tidy hole to stay warm in. Or whatever he was doing in there. I do so enjoy your photos, I check every day as where I live in the city we have nothing but sparrows and a few pigons.
How bloody lucky! To catch such a fine specimen of what I've always considered the most beautiful owl, in such a photogenic spot. I envy you!
Anonymous writes:
A great shot. Although to be truthful, I've never liked the look of a barn owl.
Excellent, interesting catch.
Marilyn
Wow, what a photo!!! You could win a contest with that one :yes:
Oh wow! That's special indeed, and so perfectly framed! I think that counts as the otter of the bird world 😀 Congratulations! :yes:
I like owls. Nice photos :up:
Andy, thanks!
Darko, this one may well find its way into some sort of competition, though I am unbelievably lazy about things like that. Really!
Adele, yes a real knock-me-down moment. I was watching the hole and was utterly transfixed as the owl emerged from the dark. It's right up there with my stoat shots of a few years ago. Good luck with your otters!
dW, well said sir! I had heard that a barn owl was in the area, but more to exclude the possibility as jackdaws usually use that spot. I was knocked out when I saw it. Definitely up there with my best wildlife moments.
Kate, thanks! I wouldn't worry about the metal around the hole. They're tough birds! I'm glad you enjoy the blog. 🙂
Marilyn, thanks! I do think barn owls are pretty though 😉
Erwin, thanks!
Wonderful catch :up: And I guess the owl will be there to catch again 🙂
Sami, it may be there again, but I had a lot of good fortune to get those shots so that may be all of them. We'll see.
One of my childhood friend once brought me to see one owl. All he had to do is cause some noise and owl popped her head out to see what is going on 😀 But of course it is not nice to disturb them too often 😉
Sami, that must have been good to see. I'm not sure I'll get another chance to photograph this owl, but it was great to even get just these shots.
Yes, after posting my comment, I found out what happened. So, you really was lucky :up:
Lovely