I set myself a little task for this winter: to see (and photograph) a Short Eared Owl. It took a lot (and I mean a lot) of time and patience. Over the course of a few weeks I visited a local reserve on a number of occasions and often came away disappointed, however as the year started to get into the swing of things...so did the birds of prey!
This shot comes from a series, as a pair of Shorties quartered the fields, slowly making their way towards me. I was very fortunate to get a couple of head on shots of such a beautiful creature!
In reality I was very lucky to get these photos, I was actually on the wrong side of the field when they first came out to feed. I made what was a rather quick run back to the car, before driving around to the correct side of the field and making a even further run to get in position. I was worried this twenty minute trip wouldn't be enough to get me an opportunity but as Del Boy would say..."He who dares wins". I almost didn't bother moving, but this saying kept running through my head and I actually made a rather quick decision by my standards. Having spent a good few hours at the site already I figured it was worth the effort...and boy was it!
So with my winter task being completed I'm going to take the opportunity to have a quiet week or so off...or that's what I like to think, in reality I'll be out this weekend in a field somewhere.