I had a few days holiday to take, so timed it to coincide with the start of migration season. I ventured up into the moorlands, and one of my favourite places. What I hadn't banked on, was that it would be shrouded in cloud on this particular morning. Not ideal, when what I was looking for was likely to be on the other side of the valley. My plan was to pitch up, watch and listen and then seek out with my binoculars. There was no chance that that was going to happen as I couldn't even see the other side of the valley. There were a few clearings every now and again as the strong wind whipped the cloud past my face, but nothing that cleared to sunshine.
I'd been there about half an hour and heard the song or call of a Ring Ouzel (my main target bird). It was on the far side of course, but I tracked it down with the binoculars through the fog to a rocky perch. Then I saw another. Only thing for it, was to be brave and head down the valley, cross the river via the unstable stepping stones and up the other side and see if I could locate them. I positioned myself in a dilapidated quarry building and waited. Twenty minutes or so later, Two popped up 100 yards in front of me, followed by two more. The best thing was that hiding as I was and the fog, they had no idea I was there, and so proceeded to come towards me and give me my own private show. I was privileged to watch and photograph these special birds for almost half an hour, and down to about 20 feet. Absolutely magical, and so pleased that they are back for another year.
It's a beautiful bird. I have never seen it around here even it lives in Norway too in the summer.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteFabulous! YAM xx
Your patience and determination really paid off. Nice images despite the fog.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous bird portraits
ReplyDeleteWell done. Some very atmospheric shots with the fog-enhancing rather than detracting from the subject matter.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of a bird that can be very difficult to find.
ReplyDeleteHello :=) Well done for finding the Ring Ouzel and getting these fine shots.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great sighting! The Ring Ouzel are pretty birds, wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend.
...you had a fabulous outing and this images are a great reward. I wish you many more special days.
ReplyDeleteYou got great shots of these guys. Worth all the trouble getting to your hiding place.
ReplyDeleteThe fog turned out to be a positive thing. It allowed you to get beautiful pics of the Ring Ousel. I have never seen this bird, so I am happy you shared your pics.
ReplyDeleteThe fog gives the photos a dreamy look and I love that beautiful bird. Nice to have some time off to enjoy getting out.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful way to spend a few days holiday. Lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteSo exciting to see a new bird. What is a sweet fellow like a clergyman. And the foggy atmosphere was absolutely poetic Adam. Thank you
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos of a bird that is very hard to find and very rare here.
ReplyDeleteYour patience has been rewarded.
Greetings Irma
Great work Adam. I think that is known as fieldcraft, a skill that is unknown to many who just want to chase other peoples birds. Fine pictures under the misty circumstances.
ReplyDeleteCourage rewarded ~ awesome photos of your 'target' birds ~ like the fog photos too ~
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Great shots, you planned that just perfectly. Love the fog photos, they add a bit of mystery.
ReplyDeleteVery nice photos of it! Not this one, but a black-throated thrush has been seen around here these days, but not by me.
ReplyDeleteOn so many levels these captures are amazing. Nature at its finest, thank you.
ReplyDeletering makes bird look pretty....
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing beautiful photos
Wow!! Fortune favored the brave and patient! Thanks for sharing these beauties withi those of us who are neither. Wonderful bird, wonderful pictures.
ReplyDelete