Saturday, 22 October 2011

Eagle Owl

The eyes of an Eagle Owl

While I am recovering from a heavy cold, I was going through some of my old photos and came across two of an Eagle Owl that I would like to share with you.

A few years ago I was fortunate enough to have a close encounter with an Eagle Owl while traveling through Scotland.
It was the eyes of the Owl that caught me, deep and piercing.

Eagle Owls are very large birds of prey, and would take a Buzzard if they had to. Also heavy...But it was a moment I will never forget to have such a bird of prey perched on my hand.

I visited another bird of prey centre a few years prior ti this, I will post some of the shots in the coming weeks.

Sunday, 16 October 2011

Recent Images


Selection of recent Photographs

As I have not been up-dating my blog for a bit due to work commitments I thought it was time to show some recent images.

I paid a visit to the Somerset levels last weekend looking for Autumn fungi, quite a lot have been taken by people, but did manage to find some species.

This time of year is good to find the iconic Fungi Fly Agaric, this shot below is of the cap, once the rain arrives this will turn Orange.



Below: And as you would normally see the Fly Agaric fungi, if the rain is heavy the white creamy spots will get washed away from the cap.


Many myths surround this fungi from the uses by the Shamen mixing it with Raindeer Urine, also it is said that if you sleep with a dried piece under your pillow it will promote visionary dreams. (But please do not try this).


                                  Further along I managed to find some Shaggy Inkcaps (below).


And one I was really pleased to find was this species below of the Yellowing Woodwax. I will be looking out for more species in the coming weeks as Autumn progresses.



On a recent walk along the shore line of Dawlish Warren I came across this skeleton of an old boat, I have been walking the shore line of this area for many years and never seen this before.


A walk along the Exeter Ship Canal yesterday, many boats were heading to the lock gates, this one looked rather photogenic through the reeds as the sun burst through the cloud cover.


           
                       Another sudden sun burst (below) as a flock of Geese flew towards the Rver Exe.



Sunday, 2 October 2011

Tracks and Signs (2)

Jay Feather - Glastonbury

While out walking through the fields close to Glastonbury Tor in Somerset, I watched a pair of Jays in a tree, they can be quite loud with their calls. I had always wanted to find a Jay feather, as they flew out of the tree I asked them to leave a feather behind for me to find.

To my surprise a short distance later I found this Jay feather. This is called the 'Alula' very small in length and is situated at the 'thumb' remnants of the wing.


Not all birds have 'Alula' feathers. So I was both fortunate and pleased to have this tiny Jay feather.