Posted by Paul Ashton on February 12, 2009 at 2:42 PM
Not a great work of photographic art but……..
Driving down to my local Barn Owl site this afternoon I spotted this bird hunting by the road side. Having rescued the camera from the back seat I slowly drove forward and by the time I had drawn level he/she had made a successful kill. I took a grab shot before the bird flew of hotly pursued by a Kestrel. (The Barn Owl won)
I have seen Eagles and Buzzards cover there prey but this is the first time of have seen it done by a Barn Owl.
Unfortunately I was the wrong side of the car. Did I get a picture of take off, was it sharp. Yes and no. Well there’s always another day!
Pity about the viewpoint, but I’m sure your pleased to have this, if only to remember the moment in time.
Posted by Major Gilbert on February 12, 2009 at 4:55 PM
They do this frequently Ray and mantle their prey unless of course they become aggitated or disturbed then they are likey to fly off and consume the prey else where.
They also tend to look around to a certain degree but not in this case.
Major.
Posted by Anthony House on February 12, 2009 at 5:57 PM
Agree with Major, this is normal behaviour and as Major has pointed out they tend to do alot of looking about aswell when they have a kill. Trying to spot the pest that hound them no doubt, Kestrels,crows, Magpies and if they are really unfortunate Buzzards.
Tony
Posted by Jeroen Stel on February 13, 2009 at 4:18 AM
Would have liked to have been in that car with you mate!
Hope to see one soon!
Discussion
4 repliesDriving down to my local Barn Owl site this afternoon I spotted this bird hunting by the road side. Having rescued the camera from the back seat I slowly drove forward and by the time I had drawn level he/she had made a successful kill. I took a grab shot before the bird flew of hotly pursued by a Kestrel. (The Barn Owl won)
I have seen Eagles and Buzzards cover there prey but this is the first time of have seen it done by a Barn Owl.
Unfortunately I was the wrong side of the car. Did I get a picture of take off, was it sharp. Yes and no. Well there’s always another day!
1D3 500mm 1/800 f8 ISO800
They also tend to look around to a certain degree but not in this case.
Major.
Tony
Hope to see one soon!
Greetings,
Jeroen Stel