Micro Climate

Oh look what I chanced upon this evening, it was hunting along the grassy verge of a quiet lane that is boarded with unusually high hedgerows. These birds aren't daft, the high hedge had kept the verges relatively free of snow whilst also offering a bit of relief from the harsh cutting wind.

 

I am not sure whether this is a new bird or not?  It was located midway between two other known Barn Owl sites, both about a mile away in opposite directions. I quickly pulled up and my luck was in as it continued to fly towards me, as it came along side it dived head first into the snow. I inched the car forward so as to see it over the verge and grabbed a couple of shots.  The conditions were terrible, taken at 6.29pm and very dark, I had to use a high ISO to get any acceptable shutter speed, hence the grainy effect!

 

Barn Owl - New or Old???

If I get the chance tomorrow evening I will visit this little "micro climate" again, that is if the snow is still about and the wind is still blowing, blimey never thought I'd hear myself wish for such atrocious conditions to continue!!!