1st June, forecast glorious. Both me and Mrs PB on a day off, so we're going to tootle off somewhere for the day. Wake up at silly o'clock with sun streaming through a gap in the curtains, so snuck out of bed and left a note. On my way to work a few times I'd spotted some brownish lumps in one of the fields, and I was sure they were hares.... I was right
There were about half a dozen scattered at varying distances, this the closest, probably 70 or 80 yards away
As it got up and ambled away from me, I thought mission accomplished. Hmmm... still only 6 o'clock.... I wonder if the barn owl is staying up late... I got to the car and across the next field
It was followed shortly after by a youngster, but it's picture was even worse than this one! I pootled round to the Trailway, where the owls nest, and incessant twittering caught my ear... not sure that leaf will support even his weight!
A much louder, and more pleasant sound was next... Jenny belting it out (Just look at that sky!!!)
At first I thought the black blobs at the top of the tree was dead foliage, but as I got closer, no...no it wasn't!
They both took off after I'd passed them by, and flew a big loop, almost like a warm up, before landing back in the same tree
Further along, and just adjacent to the Barn Owls barn, another Swallow sat... but it look massive compared to the previous too, so much so that when I got home I even looked up different types of swallow!
Unfortunately, the sun was in the wrong place, and the barbed wire fence protecting the barn from interlopers was also in the way of a well lit shot
That's my excuse anyway!!!
Next, our first game of spot the bird
I loitered by the barn, surreptitiously, for a few minutes, but no luck with any owls, so meandered on, preceded by a Robin
More twittering from on high, and I spotted this scruffy so and so
A little further and a lovely song could be heard, I scoured the tree line of the next field...
I remembered the "back for breakfast" note I left (after Mrs PB texted ) and so I turned about and headed home, in the field another deer
And now the 2nd game of spot the bird
As a clue as to what you're looking for... that's the BARN!
I'd caught a glimpse of it in the opening, before it dropped to a post, and waited a nanosecond before flying off again... best sighting I got... and this is cropped quite heavily..
Unfortunately, breakfast thoughts soon left my head when a few Martins and Swallows were playing nest building, using mud from a puddle along the pathway
And so absolutely with my impromptu sortie, I hurried home to thick crusty toast and marmalade, and a steaming mug of coffee!
Hope I didn't get carried away!
Stay Safe All
Great set.
PimperneBloke said:As a clue as to what you're looking for... that's the BARN!
Is it a Chicken? ...
Thanks for sharing. Some good action shots of the Swallows. You earned your breakfast that day ...
Lovely set PB with lots to see despite our dismal weather; marmalade toast and hot coffee was your reward for putting in the effort for us but much appreciated !! Nice to see the barney as well.
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Regards, Hazel
Thanks all
That was well worth sneaking out of bed for!
(Pardon the Scottish Accent)
It's great when a plan comes together PB Nice selection of photo's.
A brilliant pre-breakie photo collection, and to finally see the barn owl completing the collection.
That reminds me, I need to get to Baddesley very soon.....
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
Well worth the early start for PB. You did forget about breakfast when those Swallows came on the scene! A lovely set, hope Mrs PB never scolded you, too much, thanks.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.