I'm still not getting out anywhere near as much as I'd like to, it's the same old excuses really, limited time, no cash, too cold etc etc. The solution is quite simple really, a huge lottery win and a bit of sunshine!!
Anyway, my most recent excursion out was at the weekend, a few more year ticks where made and my annual list keeps creeping up nicely, nothing special just Kingfisher, Marsh Tit and drum roll please.............House Sparrow!!!! My tally is now on 70 different species, 43.75% of my original target of 160, however I am not doing that well if you were to ask Col Green who decided that my target should be increased to 175 species, mmmmm that means I am only at 40.00%, the cheek of him!
It was all very nice seeking out these different species for my year list, it makes a refreshing change from spending nearly all my time with the owls but I have to admit it is always good to get back to watching and searching for them. And late in the day when on my way home I got my owly fix, and in the form of yet another new Little Owl site. The bird in question was first picked up in the car headlights as it swooped across in front of me and landed on top of a hedgerow. It was a very quiet country lane so there was no issues with just stopping in the middle of the road. The camera was soon plucked from the passenger seat and after a quick change of the setting the image below was attained.
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| Little Owl site No 242 |
The conditions as you can perhaps make out were not good! This was no time to be arty farty, it was just a case of trying to get a usable record shot, and I managed it just! It was 5.51pm and almost pitch black, the auto focus just kept hunting back and forth and just wouldn't lock onto the bird. The ISO was pumped up to 2000 and with the aperture opened up to F2.8 I did managed to lock on just the once and grab an image, albeit at only 1/20 of a second shutter speed.
That is it for this post as nothing else to report, roll on the nicer weather, oh and that lottery win!!!
See ya all soon.............
You have got all the spring migrants to look forward to mate a few waders you'll be alright with 175 I'm sure?
ReplyDeleteOK against my better judgement I will re-set my target to 175, you had better buy me a pint when I get there!
DeleteShame you can't count individual owls you'd fly past 175. You'llcrack 175 easy mind...should be 180 :o)
ReplyDeleteOh don't you start Doug, 180 is an impossibility, you are as bad as my mate Col lol! And yes I would easily achieve 180 if it was owl sightings.........
DeletePleased to hear that your not forgetting the owls, Paul. It's turning out to be quite a good owling month as far as the Little Owls are concerned. I'm having one of my best months ever, with three new sites so far. Still not seen a Tawny or Barnie yet this year, and I can only dream about SEOs and LEOs!
ReplyDeleteYou did well to get that image under those conditions.
Keep up the good work, and start buying more lottery tickets!!
SEO & LO are a total wipe out for me at the moment too, you keep going with the Little uns because it appears you are having a good start to the year.
DeleteMy master plan is also to win big on the lottery, but too be honest I think we both have more chance of seeing 175 species this year. Good luck on both accounts.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget me when your big lottery win comes in mate, a nice canon 500mm F4 will do nicely!!!
DeleteIt is only January still! Good to find a new Owl spot, and good luck with the lottery!
ReplyDeleteYes always great to find new owl sites, and thanks for the good luck message re the lottery, surely it must be my turn soon!
ReplyDeleteGood to see you're still finding the Little uns...
ReplyDelete175 species inland is a pretty tall order - i'll guess you weigh in with a healthy 156.
Regards StevE
Ah up buddy good to have you back, bin missing whats going on up north!
DeleteWow! Great! You ware in right time in right place. This is really rear picture. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteTrees Planet