Arriving at 11.00, one Owl was obligingly sat preening about 50m distant in the tussocky grass......
Other opportunities for ground shots, came later as they paused during hunting
This was a day for flight photography though and whilst they never came 'frame filling' close, there was plenty of opportunity for 'Short-eared Owls in the natural landscape' :-).....
First flight involved a bit of soaring and swooping to dry off the wings
Thenh it was every Vole for 'imself!
Here they come.....
The abrupt dive for prey......
More general landscape shots.....
Closer passes.....
Nearly gotcha?
It all came to a rather abrupt end, when one charming hooray huntsman, part of a hunt which had been tally ho-ing around the general area took it upon himself to wish the assembled gallery 'Good arfffternoon' shortly before he galloped about - duly flushing half a dozen Shorties (most of which were not seen again)
At least the dogs behaved (keeping to the edge of the field!) and the younger riders were considerate too - a tad late though!
Do you know what? I might be back here soon, more unfinished business!
