Faulty starter motor, but I'll get it fixed . Soukous BY 2020

[Kitsafari]

hmmmmmm, a worthy EBC indeed. 

[Soukous]

and while we're dumping ebc's

 

#126 - Common Kestrel - Falco tinnunculus

Ufford, Suffolk. UK. April 2020

 

 

 

[Galana]

1 hour ago, Soukous said:

The only reason for posting 2 poses is for those doubters who might think I had stapled this one to the post (mentioning no names, see above)

So the local taxidermist was having a two for one sale?

Only kidding. I would love a photo of that quality.

[Soukous]

Unfortunately the taxidermist is closed at the moment, although once the lockdown is ended I hope to make up for lost time. 

[Dave Williams]

Not bad Martin, but wait 'til you see mine then!!

[Soukous]

#125 - Barn Owl - Tyto alba - take 2

 

having seen this Barn Owl in the same spot on the previous 2 Sundays I decided that this time I shoudl take a camera.

Clearly this is its Sunday place

 

The light was not ideal, but he/she kindly stayed put for around 30 seconds so I could get a couple of shots.

 

 

 

 

[Kitsafari]

wow! gorgeous images of a gorgeous bird. How I love that one with the barn owl looking straight into your lens. 

 

[Soukous]

14 minutes ago, Kitsafari said:

wow! gorgeous images of a gorgeous bird. How I love that one with the barn owl looking straight into your lens. 

 

 

Thanks Kit. I have been amazed to find it in exactly the same spot at exactly the same time, three weeks in a row. Now I'll have to see if it comes on weekdays as well.

[Galana]

I take it all back. It's not stuffed!

Any chance you can read the ring and report the sighting?

[xelas]

Phew, an Owl that is waiting for you ... what a reward for any birder!

[PeterHG]

What a wonderful set of photos of the Barn Owl!

 

[Soukous]

2 hours ago, Galana said:

I take it all back. It's not stuffed!

Any chance you can read the ring and report the sighting?

 

Sadly my zoom is not as powerful as yours.

[TonyQ]

Excellent views of the Barn Owl - well done

[michael-ibk]

Very cool sighting!

[Soukous]

16 hours ago, michael-ibk said:

Very cool sighting!

 

and very welcome in these days of slim pickings. (cue Slim Pickins jokes from @Galana )

Edited April 27, 2020 by Soukous

[Dave Williams]

Wow, lucky you to have such a rewarding Barn Owl. Absolutely not stuffed or nailed to the perch but are you sure that's a ring and not a tether on it's leg

[Soukous]

1 minute ago, Dave Williams said:

are you sure that's a ring and not a tether on it's leg

 

It did manage to fly off within seconds of me taking the photos so I'm pretty sure. 

[Galana]

2 hours ago, Soukous said:

It did manage to fly off within seconds of me taking the photos

Back to the handler just out of shot?

The ring should be visible on your photo. Just not aligned right. Have another go.

Not asking a lot?

 

[Soukous]

17 hours ago, Galana said:

Just not aligned right. Have another go.

 

I've had a look at all the photos I got of the owl. Although he swivels his head, he doesn't move his feet at all so the angle is always wrong to read the tag. What exactly am I looking for? Will making that small portion that is visible a it sharper help at all?

[Galana]

Not to bother. I can read the small bit we can see but the real Data will be a bigger number maybe with letters and more easily read.

Another Sunday maybe?

[Zim Girl]

Beautiful Barn Owl - great sighting!

[Soukous]

After a few grey days of rain, today has been wonderfully bright. Still a chilly wind, but definitely going out weather.

In light of the fact that I live in a rural area and rarely come within 20 metres of anyone on my walks and the fact the the police have decided to be reasonable and allow a short drive to get to a place to walk - the rule of thumb seems to be that as long as the walk is significantly longer than the drive, it is OK. So a 10 minute drive for a 1 hour walk is allowed - I took a 10 minute drive.

 

I'd planned my route in the hope of catching a Reed Warbler, a species that has managed to elude me this year. I didn't find one. But is did grab a couple that I can add to my tally.

 

#127 - Linnet - Linaria cannabina - (FTP #42)

Butley Creek, Suffolk. UK. May 2020

 

 

 

Edited May 2, 2020 by Soukous

[Soukous]

The next one was much noisier, squawking away from a hiding place in the reeds. But eventually it emerged.

 

#128 - Sedge Warbler - Acrocephalus schoenobaenus - (FTP # 43)

Butley Creek, Suffolk. UK. May 2020

 

I hope you'll excuse so many photos, but every new species is a cause for celebration this year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Soukous]

On 1/19/2020 at 11:57 AM, Soukous said:

I'll post this shot as a place marker in the hope of a better one later on

 

That was way back in January. Well, I did finally manage to find more Avocets.

So here's an updated on #9, there are a few of them at RSPB Boynton Marshes, which is where my walk ended.

 

 

 

 

 

[Soukous]

OK, now back into sleep mode