Out and about today, I decided to have a closer look at the now, completely destroyed, nature trail which was set up about 10 years ago.
It had a small'ish sitka spruce plantation in the middle of it which the F.C. decided should be clear felled, I'd be amazed if it raised more than £3000-£4000 revenue for F.C. but, to be fair, there were dozens of windblown trees amongst it so maybe it was sensible to destroy it after all?
Anyway, after collecting a daysack full of birch bark from a couple felled tree's ( supposed to be left untouched by the contractors but...:bluThinki ) I wandered off towards the mountain bike trail about 75metres from the clear fell site.
I was near the end of the mid section when something caught my eye. You know when your absolutely familiar with an area and you look at it and theres something not quite right?
Well this is what I saw:
I hadn't been taking my time and had stood on plenty of crackling twigs and whatnot so I was surprised that it hadn't moved, for a moment I actually thought it might be stuffed or made of plastic!
I zoomed in a bit, fully expecting it to take flight:
Then at full zoom:
I even had time to faff about with the camera settings!
Of course eventually, although not for a full 10 minutes mind you!, He/She woke up, shook their head and dropped off the branch, with not a sound and flew off through the bushes and trees, following a route that, when checked shortly after, looked tight for a blackbird never mind a Tawny Owl! ( just guessing here I hasten to add, any i.d. more than welcome)
I have watched many owls as well as sparrowhawks, kestrels, jays etc in Chopwell wood in the past but this is the first time I have managed to get a decent picture of an owl.
just thought I'd share what was for me, a magical moment
cheers
R.B.
It had a small'ish sitka spruce plantation in the middle of it which the F.C. decided should be clear felled, I'd be amazed if it raised more than £3000-£4000 revenue for F.C. but, to be fair, there were dozens of windblown trees amongst it so maybe it was sensible to destroy it after all?
Anyway, after collecting a daysack full of birch bark from a couple felled tree's ( supposed to be left untouched by the contractors but...:bluThinki ) I wandered off towards the mountain bike trail about 75metres from the clear fell site.
I was near the end of the mid section when something caught my eye. You know when your absolutely familiar with an area and you look at it and theres something not quite right?
Well this is what I saw:
I hadn't been taking my time and had stood on plenty of crackling twigs and whatnot so I was surprised that it hadn't moved, for a moment I actually thought it might be stuffed or made of plastic!
I zoomed in a bit, fully expecting it to take flight:
Then at full zoom:
I even had time to faff about with the camera settings!
Of course eventually, although not for a full 10 minutes mind you!, He/She woke up, shook their head and dropped off the branch, with not a sound and flew off through the bushes and trees, following a route that, when checked shortly after, looked tight for a blackbird never mind a Tawny Owl! ( just guessing here I hasten to add, any i.d. more than welcome)
I have watched many owls as well as sparrowhawks, kestrels, jays etc in Chopwell wood in the past but this is the first time I have managed to get a decent picture of an owl.
just thought I'd share what was for me, a magical moment
cheers
R.B.