Well as alluded to by Paul, we had another 'Smithy' luck-in today with the recently fledged tawny owl chick at Elan Valley.
The conditions in the morning were not very good with the passerines being very elusive due to the muggy overcast weather, but the owl chick definately was the highlight of the day.
I managed to spy an otter early-on doing my pre-meetings checks, but despite a good 1 1/2 hours patient scanning after lunch was not relocated again.
The new photographic hides at Gigrin may be expensive, but they definately make flight photography considerably easier, and I think every one went home looking to treble their their card capacity such are the shooting oportunities now.
Can I just say what a pleasure it was to meet you all yesterday, I really enjoyed the trip, so thanks for organising it so expertly. I couldn't believe it when I found out that having driven for two and a half hours to get there, half of us lived within 20 miles of each other! As you might expect I have one or two shots of this little fellow, and I can't help worrying that he is not very well. Do think that their eyes always look this raw at this stage in their development? Perhaps Vincent good put my mind at rest on this one. Eric
Having studied the owl shots at full resolution I think the 'puffiness' is just their natural pink bare skin - the base of the bill is also a strong pink color.
yes thanks mike, it was a great day out, nice to meet you all ,, next time i'll remember to bring some extra memory cards. 342 shots for one day isnt to bad ;-)
Very nice Mike , can't tell you how gutted I am having not made the trip , looks like you guys had a cracking time , i'll be there next year thats for sure.
Discussion
6 repliesThe conditions in the morning were not very good with the passerines being very elusive due to the muggy overcast weather, but the owl chick definately was the highlight of the day.
I managed to spy an otter early-on doing my pre-meetings checks, but despite a good 1 1/2 hours patient scanning after lunch was not relocated again.
The new photographic hides at Gigrin may be expensive, but they definately make flight photography considerably easier, and I think every one went home looking to treble their their card capacity such are the shooting oportunities now.
It was really good to meet everyone
Having studied the owl shots at full resolution I think the 'puffiness' is just their natural pink bare skin - the base of the bill is also a strong pink color.
Mike
Thanks again for organising a great day. I'll defiantly be back to the Elan area to explore more.
Rob
Paul
Very nice Mike , can't tell you how gutted I am having not made the trip , looks like you guys had a cracking time , i'll be there next year thats for sure.
Andy...