When the sun sets, Owlets Vane Farm RSPB

As some of you would guess! I returned to the Owlets last night, or at least at sun set.

Bad light made it very hard to get photos of note, it was cloudy and the sun was going down. The viewing on the other hand was great! The Owlets were very active, jumping about and stretching, and to begin with the local Blackbirds very vocal.

But as soon as the sun dropped the adults arrived with food. Camera wise, it was hard to pickup as the shutter speed reduced and the subjects activity went right up.

Each time an adult came in with food it would leave in the direction of the woodland slopes behind the Reserve Centre. This had the effect of encouraging the Owlets to follow. In turn each of the Owlets (most hungry first) would take a leap from the highest branches and flap with all their might to reach the next tree twenty feet or so away. Dropping in height all the time but each one made it to the next tree. Not quite so high but there anyway, then they climbed looking to be in the best position for the food as it arrived. Looking along the line of trees leading to the woods, sadly, it won’t be long before they will make it. After that finding them in a photographic position will be very unlikely.

Still it has been a experience I will not forget and rates right up there with some of my best ones, SO FAR!!  

http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/forums/t/13436.aspx

Hope you enjoy, John :-)