An Evening in the Uplands

I set out one evening this week to see what I could find, but secretly really hoping to find a Ring Ouzel. This blackbird like bird has been moving around the higher ground recently and some seen in good numbers, but I hadn't come across one yet. Nothing where I would usually find them, so forlornly moved off to another area to just sit and see what would turn up. I was kept amused by the local Red Grouse and the bubbling Curlews, while a Stonechat that just popped up in front of the car out of nowhere and sat on a post and watched me, rather than the other way round. 

Out of the blue, a large bird came into view and continued to quarter the area. A Short-Eared Owl!! Wow, I've not seen one of these for a few years now, and forgot how they make the adrenaline flow. This was really very exciting. I watched at distance, now out of the car, with the binoculars before it turned and headed towards me. Time to grab the camera from the car quick.

I stayed probably for an hour, mesmerised, finding it hard to drag myself away. In that time I saw 2 others at distance. So there are definitely 3 birds in the area. This all bodes well for some nice sunny evenings coming up. I had completely forgotten about not finding the Ring Ouzel. This more than made up for it. In spades.

Back in the Spring

An evening on the moors around Derbyshire is always nice. Red Grouse bubble away and frequently show themselves. Raptors will often put in an appearance as they quarter for prey.
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.

Perfect timing.....

I had another opportunity to look for some Short Eared Owls the other night. Again, the setting sun made for some great light. All I needed now was for the birds to appear and put on a show. They did that alright, in style once again.

Short Eared Owl

Wow!! What a night I just had. I went out locally on a stunning night. It was warm and sunny and very peaceful. I was really just happy to be out and wasn't looking for anything in particular. It has been pretty quiet recently on the bird front, so I went a little further afield into Derbyshire. I came across lots of Kestrel and I was hoping for a Hobby, but had no joy. Instead, while waiting for a Hobby, I got a better treat, in the form of two Short Eared Owls, hunting across the moors. The light was magnificent. For some time I was a bit mesmerised, standing motionless while staring through the bins. I thought I'd get the camera out and see if I could get any half decent shots.
For quite a while they stayed at some distance. I wasn't going to go chasing them. No way did I want to disturb them. So I kept my patience and hoped they'd come closer. I got a real treat.

Busted! Finally spotted me after nearly an hour of watching from afar. It came with 20 metres of me. Nearly too close for my camera lens.

One last look in fading light, as it moved away to hunt in a new area.

Short Eared Owl

I made a rare late excursion last week, out into Derbyshire. My aim wasn't Short Eared Owl but it's what I ended up focusing on, as after a hail storm the clouds cleared for  bright evening sunshine and it seemed to bring the owls out to hunt. I was treated to some fantastic views.