Hi and welcome to my Blog, my name is Paul Riddle and I live in south Leicestershire, UK. Back in August 2007 my quest began to locate as many local Little Owl territories as possible. The driving force was a reported decline in the uk numbers so I thought I would do my bit and conduct a study in my area. After 7 years and countless hours out in the field I have detected over 200 different sites. With a thirst for a greater understanding of the owls a more comprehensive monitoring and nest box programme then commenced. This also now includes monitoring the local and very sparse population of Barn Owls, please pop back occasionally and catch up with the life and times of my owls and any other wildlife that I come across. I hope you enjoy your visit!!!

Friday 6 July 2012

Slightly Moist!!!!

I suppose if one sits at home looking out of the window wishing the weather would clear then you could be in for a very long wait........
Although the torrential rain is not the perfect conditions for photography it does offer something a little different, and after several attempts/visits at getting some shots of "damp" owls finally my patience was rewarded.


After plenty of playing around with shutter speeds and the depth of field "the shot" that I so desired with the falling rain was captured.


I have seen this behaviour before, but never this close! An owl with outstretched wings having a bath in the rain.

Although owls are not great lovers of the rain they will tolorate it when there are juveniles to be fed. The conditions of late have certainly made it easy picking for food with all the worms in the grass, but still the occasional break was taken just to make sure there were no Buzzards overhead?

I rather like the soaking wet look, it makes a nice change, what do you think?

8 comments:

  1. It certainly does make for lovely change - not that there was a problem with your previous images, of course. The coveted DOF shot with rain is magnificent.

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  2. The pictures are really great!

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  3. Douglas McFarlane7 July 2012 at 04:57

    They look very odd when wet. Great images Paul

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  4. A great set of images Paul, but that second one is stunning - even if it does make the owl look somewhat unattractive!

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  5. Thank you for this lovely blog I apreciate all the time and hard work you put into it.
    You have done so much for the Leicestershire Owl count.
    Alison Rhodes

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  6. Good 'on yer' for getting out there. They look slightly prehistoric wet. Stunning images Paul.

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  7. I know the new lens is working mate,but its also who's behind the lens,brill set of pics

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  8. Thanks for all your comments guys, very kind!

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