After the excitement of yesterday, a much simpler post today. The early morning was misty once again, but with the mists were sitting low in the valleys there were some spectacular views across the downs. The pond was shrouded when I arrived, though with blue patches of sky breaking through. it was quiet, and the only shot from that part of the day is this one of a pair of greylags gliding across the pond.
It was later in the day that the signs of spring showed themselves. First, a butterfly. It's a small tortoiseshell and was fluttering along the edge of the car park at work.
That's my first butterfly shot of the year, but it was very quickly trumped by another flying insect in the same border. This is a hummingbird hawk moth, a day-flying moth which is very distinctive and hovers much like its namesake as it feeds from plants.
Yesterday I promised a few more owl photos. Just one tonight, but it is one of the cutest I got. Once again it's the comical little short-eared owl caught in the late afternoon sun.
Camera note: all today's shots taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens. The owl was photographed with the EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM lens.
derWandersmann
22 Mar 2012Spring, indeed!
Words
22 Mar 2012Adele, I think the owl was getting a bit grumpy by then as we kept moving it to keep it in the light as the sun dropped down to the horizon. I was surprised to see the hawkmoth so early, but it's turned very warm in the past few days.
I wouldn't worry too much about butterflies given the amazing sightings you're enjoying at the moment!
SittingFox
22 Mar 2012Excellent to see the hawkmoth :up: Such a strange creature. The owl looks quite surprised 🙂
I fear it might be quite a while until I see any butterflies here, although most of the snow is now melted.
gdare
22 Mar 2012Butterfly is a proof that spring has come to England 😀
Words
22 Mar 2012dW, it certainly feels like that. I hope it lasts!
Words
22 Mar 2012Darko, everything is waking up now. It's very pretty here.
studio41
26 Mar 2012adorable owl photo, but the pair of greylags is exceptional! WOW, lovely shot!
Words
27 Mar 2012Erwin, thanks!
Words
28 Mar 2012Jill, thanks. The greylag shot was something of a rescue job given the mist, but it came out well. I liked the light on their shoulders.
Wulpen
19 Oct 2012Excellent shots