Saturday 20 February 2010

Owlage

Some quality owlage (of the Short-eared variety) at Cossington Meadows this afternoon, and about time too - I've been several times over the winter and not seen the bastards at all. Today, however, they performed very well in nice evening light. I even managed to get some reasonable photos of them, despite feeling decidedly inadequate in the company of at least half a dozen camouflage-jacketed 'proper' photographers with their matching camouflage-jacketed 'bucket' lenses:

At least three birds were present, and probably four, although I never saw all of them together. There were also two Barn Owls, but I didn't manage to get any shots of them.

7 comments:

abbey meadows said...

I see the obsessional trait of who ever has the largest and most expensive bit of camera kit is the best birder around is not just confined to Northumberland. I was in a hide at Druridge last week and couldn't get near the flaps as three photographers took up the whole space in a large hide. All of them taking 700 shots of a Goldeneye feeding just in front of the hide. How many pictures of a Goldeneye do you need? and not a notebook in sight. Does anyone get any pleasure out of simple birdwatching anymore?

CE Webster said...

Really great photos!

Crafty Green Poet said...

oh these are wonderful photos! The light is stunning and I love the way it highlights the owls' wings. They're such wonderful birds to watch too.

Marcus Lawson said...

In answer to Abbey Meadows question - it's a resounding yes from me.

Lovely photos Andy, there's been a dearth of Short-eared Owls here in Kent this winter unfortunately.

Jeff Higgott said...

Seems strange to see a Llama post where Beast isn't the first, and within minutes, to reply. Is he ill, I wonder?

The Leicester Llama said...

I think he must be away at the moment.

beast said...

Jeff....the beast still lives...and is not ill....[tho i suppose that may be a matter of debate]..!Sick fuck that i am..!

No...haven't gone away yet...[tho off soon to warmer climes to get some decent birding done]..!

The reason i ain't been doin me usual 'posting' verbal bollox is that i been busy getting obsessed with producing photo images...[and sticking on BF under wildlife art thread]....don't ask me why...just having fun really...keeps me amused!

I still like writing shit tho...[evidently]....!