This smacks of ‘Man vs Cuckoo’ Keith! 😂 I really hope you stick with it, as from my own experiences Barn Owls are usually very visible for longer into the daytime during February & March. I think some of it depends on how the weather has been for them, & like your area; here in Suffolk the ground is heavily sodden & waterlogged & areas are inaccessible. This is both good & bad in a way, in one way it’s bad & can be dangerous (for obvious reasons), but in another way it can be seen as good. The voles/mice will also have to retreat to ‘dry’ land, so the prey’s living area & the owls hunting areas get smaller; which can make it easier for us to see them & narrow down the areas they will be hunting on. I know on my local fen, that the barn owls are definitely out for longer in the mornings lately; mainly due to hideous winds & heavy rain overnight. If we do get a prolonged period of still calm days & nights, then i don’t bother visiting; as they’re wise enough to then hunt at night. For me, I’m currently doing what you are & building up footage/stills from each visit until I have enough or they breed & lay eggs; whichever comes first I will then leave them to it until the owlets have fledged. Best of luck with your project mate. Keep on keeping on! 🦉 🦊 📷 Best, Nick
Hi Nick. Man vs Cuckoo still gives me nightmares ... 😂 Agree with everything you said and it's good to see the Owl was around again this weekend although I only caught the back end of it. The water levels around here have finally started to recede a little although there was a lot of rain again yesterday. The weather not looking great for the week so hopefully if the weekend gets better it may give some opportunities. Good luck with your Owl and good to hear the responsible attitude to leaving them alone as they breed. Thanks for your support and the great comment. Cheers ... Keith
You did very well Keith considering the weather conditions you managed some nice images of the fieldfare and redwing, well done to capture the fox both slowmo and great images we have the same problem with flooding ( i put some Drone footage of flooding at my local reserve Doxsey Marshes in flood) regards Dave looking forward to your part 2 👍
Nice one Keith. Haven't been out around here for a while but this morning, big flocks of Fieldfare and Redwing ready to move North. Nice captures of them mate. You have so much more patience than me, just wonderful footage and photos of that beautiful Fox. And the Barn Owl too - the flights shots are great, and the final ones in the tree too. You worked hard to get those 👍👍 And the slomo Squirrel was brilliant!! Have a great weekend mate - lovely day for a change!!!
Thanks Dave. It's been a bit of a challenge and still no part 2 yet 😂. Just the back end of the Owl this morning. Becoming good friends with the Squirrel 😂. Have a great weekend mate. Cheers Keith