These pictures were taken one late evening in Spring. The sun had almost set and so there was not a great deal of light.
I could hear the grouse bubbling away, but it took me a while to locate one. I was sat in my car so as not to disturb them. Then one popped it's head up and gave itself away.
You can see the long grass was in need of some rain and warmth.
I got all of a fluster when I could see a large winged bird heading towards me and the car. It was a Short Eared Owl!! I've see these many times before, but there is something a little magical about seeing an owl. These birds are fantastic, and just awesome to watch as they float across the moors.
Almost dark by this point, hence the grainy shots, and it was almost past me before I could blink.
An early returning Willow Warbler, with the trees still in bud.
Brilliant photos Adam. I totally agree about seeing the owl. I have only seen one once in the wild, and the sight of it is indelibly imprinted on my brain. It was a terrific moment.
ReplyDeleteI too love Owls..We don't seem to have any around here..I have never photographed one..Great shots!!
ReplyDeleteHello Adam, awesome birds and sightings! I love the Red Grouse and cool capture of the owl in flight. The warbler is a sweet bird. Great post. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeletedid you get that rain we finally did after 3 months and much loss
ReplyDeleteYou really nailed the birds here.
ReplyDeletegreat sightings!
ReplyDeleteAmazing shots of bird.
ReplyDeleteMarvelous sighting of the Owl and great images
ReplyDeleteFantastic on the Red Grouse Adam, one that I cannot get.
ReplyDeletelove seeing the owl in flight
ReplyDeleteYou got great shots, even if the light was dimming.
ReplyDeleteLove that grouse popping its head up! And isn't it interesting that we always get so excited about owls! I have seen less than five in my entire life! And no photos of any of them! :(
ReplyDeleteMoor land like that was one of my favourite places to walk / watch / loaf about in - we don't really have anything like it here (maybe in Tasmania). Nice to see some.
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
You are right about owls. I wish I had more magical sightings of my own to share, but I never see them.
ReplyDelete~
Sorry, I'm in my Hootin' Anni Blogger Admin right now, but I still wanted to send along my thanks for sharing your wonderful link this weekend at I'd Rather B Birdin'. Have a glorious week ahead.
ReplyDeleteThat owl is so pretty....magnificent.
All your photos are awesome. I don't think I've ever seen a grouse...of ANY kind. Lucky you.
Thanks for reminding me what a Short-eared owl looks like. You know Adam I haven't seen one all year and they seem to have gone scarce in these parts in recent years, even as winter visitors.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could see a grouse (saw one only once in my lifetime) or an owl (never have seen one). Lucky you.
ReplyDeleteOwls are magical! I haven't seen any for a long time, except the burrowing owls in Florida. They are very cute but like little stuffed toys, not the majestic ones that float ( as you so beautifully word it). Once years ago we saw sage grouse in their mating dance... (We were on a tour at a bird festival). Talk about magical!
ReplyDeletelove the first image of the Red Grouse. Nice photography :)
ReplyDelete