Sophie
I took a picture of this beautiful barn owl which we see on a fairly regular basis. My attempts to take a good shot have been numerous but they're usually thwarted by the lens*, the light, the obstructions and the speed of flight.
*I refuse to use another lens so this will always be an issue.
This is possibly my best result yet. It's a privilege to be able to watch such a majestic beast hunting and I enjoy the experience immensely.
My assumption is that the barn owls stay on the same hunting grounds all year round although I recently discovered that the little garden passerines migrate over winter to warmer climes. The lovely little blue tits and blackbirds head off and the ones which are resident over the winter are from Sweden and Norway! How puzzling, but here's the reason. Birds need to find the similar type of temperatures to those in which they were raised in. So although blackbirds live in the UK all year round for the summer lightweights it's a normal warm bird and the winter hardy ones it's their warm retreat away from the nippier northern climes in which they were raised.
Well I found that fascinating.
Take care,
Sophie
Take care,
Sophie
A few minutes later, bang on cue, we spotted a barn owl hunting the field who's perimeter our path followed. It's mind was on seeking out dinner. We stood and watched.
It flew into a neighbouring field and we carried on our way.
A little further along the route we spotted it return to our field and pursued it's low flight over the grass. As the beautiful beast flew closer in it's sweeping of the meadow I realised I was holding my breath to remain as quiet as possible in order not to distract or disturb it. Still as statues we stood, eyes left, eyes right. While it was a good distance off I whispered to C to ask whether he thought it could hear our hearts beating. I wonder if it's true that they detect prey through hearing heartbeats?
At it's closest the barn owl must have only been 15 feet away, utterly astonishing. It definitely clocked us but ascertained we posed no threat and continued on with it's mission as the sunrays dissolved through the lingering cloud.
The soundless flight was hypnotic to watch and the few minutes we spent watching were magical. A few dives to the ground didn't result in any catches except perhaps the very last in eyeshot by which time we were a long way off. If there was nothing to threaten the peace maybe the owl decided to eat it's meal in situ instead.
Have you been treated to a close encounter with nature?
Take care,
Sophie
No matter how many evenings I stroll in the countryside there are always new sights to see and surprises to be had. The gorgeous pink sunset over the frosty landscape was incredible to witness. I took so many pictures I like that I'll have to show you the second instalment another day.
Some incredibly exciting news! With all your wonderful support and votes I can announce I've made it as a finalist (down to the last eight) in the UK Blog Awards in the photography category. It's come as a real surprise and I can't say thank you enough. The awards are dished out in April and it's down to the judges to pick the winners.
Sophie
