Let me know when that tide's coming in won't you

Let me know when that tide's coming in won't you

Saturday 16 June 2018

Tawny Owl

I took a lovely midweek evening stroll in the Goyt Valley, Derbyshire and was really on the lookout for Spotted Flycatchers and other breeding activity of our Summer migrants. I didn't see any Spotted Flycatchers, but did see a pair or Redstart and other Warblers and Tree Pipits. All seemed to be pretty busy and bird song was at minimum. Calling Cuckoos in the near distance was a real bonus, as was this Tawny Owl that I took by surprise.

When I'm out on my birding walks I don't walk particularly fast or make a lot of noise, as I like to use all my senses to notice things. Eyes can pick up any slight movement in the trees or distance and my ears are quite good at picking out the quietest of rustles. If I move too quickly I can can miss something of interest. So I take my time and enjoy the nature that surrounds me. It wasn't intentional, but by doing what I do I got a fantastic view of a Tawny Owl. It wasn't for long, but long enough for me to spot it 30 yards away and to set the camera up.

It didn't see or hear me coming and was quite happy watching the forest before it turned it's head. I managed a couple of pictures before it did.


It heard the camera click and turned to look at me. At first it wasn't sure where the noise had come from, so I managed a few more shots.

It headed off to the safety of the forest not long after. If I had raced through and been a bit louder with my shuffling feet I may have alerted it to my presence before I even got a chance to see it. So high five to me and my stealthy approach to birding. On this occasion it paid off.


9 comments:

  1. Definitely high five to you for your stealth and capturing these images of the Tawny owl; even one in flight! Adam!

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  2. Hello, what a beautiful owl. Awesome photos and a great sighting. Thank you so much for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your day and weekend.

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  3. Beautiful! Wonderful!
    Have a great weekend!

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  4. I'm so happy you got a couple of shots. Owls are so beautiful

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  5. What a pleasant surprise and well done for the stealthy approach.

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  6. What perfect timing! That second shot is so beautiful

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  7. So sweet! http://travelingbugwiththreeboys-kelleyn.blogspot.com/2018/06/lake-bled-slovenia-and-vintgar-gorge.html

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  8. Wow..I would love just to see an owl here...Michelle

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