Attempted "murders"
01st September 2021
The week has rolled on and I have only been able to get out with the camera on one evening this week, the light is fading fast and by 7pm it is touch and go whether to bother leaving the comfort of the sofa, if there is cloud on the horizon.
With Steve "missing in action" under canvas somewhere in the UK - at least the weather has held up for him.
I made a solo journey to see if the Owls were about after a text from Paul to tell me one was hunting regularly across the marshes - it certainly was n't hunting regularly on the evening I was there !!
I decided to drive the "circuit" - those that know Frodsham Marsh will be aware of the track (calling it a track is actually being generous) that circumvents the "tanks", you can imagine my surprise or should I say "horror" at meeting another 4 x 4 coming in the opposite direction - it took some "breathing in" for the two us to pass each other.
And that was the end of the evening !
Herons appear to be abundant at the moment and are now in reasonable numbers on some of the ponds and streams.
So I found nothing to point the camera at this morning - not surprising really as I was not out until after 10.
I did bump into Peter who was out looking for Kingfishers.
He was "freshly" returned from the Maldives - having had encounters with Turtles, sharks and Mantas - his wife is looking to see when they can get back there - not a massive suprise !!!
As I drove back home my mind was on distant beaches and seas, the people who will be out there this September, the boat crews and island "team" who make sure your stay is everything you want it to be.
As the afternoon went by the weather held - it had been forecast to rain - so with a promise to back in an hour or so - I headed off.
Opening the front door there was a flurry of activity and feathers floating in the breeze.
On the floor was a Sparrowhawk with a pigeon in it's grip.
What could I do but ignore it look away, get round the corner and "leg" it to the car to get the camera.
Camera out and fortunately I had my 200mm lens with me.
Camera and lens attached I made my way back to the front door, both where still there the pigeon locked in the vice like grip of the Sparrowhawks talons.
When I first saw them they had both been in the sun (that 6pm golden sun) but the pigeon still very much alive had tried to escape when I had appeared and the pair had now fluttered into the shade of the building - fiddling with settings and cranking up the iso I managed a shot or two.
The Sparrowhawk gave me what can only be described as look of disgust and took off, leaving the pigeon alive but minus a good number of feathers.
I went on my way - in search of foxes.
The evening light was golden and the sun warm - I was not the only one taking advantage of the suns dying rays and a fox appeared - stalking the Magpies.
So no luck or dinner for either the Sparrowhawk or Fox.
The Rabbit just stood and watched the whole Magpie "hunt" from the side-lines, but he could be next - it's a long dark night ahead !
With Steve "missing in action" under canvas somewhere in the UK - at least the weather has held up for him.
I made a solo journey to see if the Owls were about after a text from Paul to tell me one was hunting regularly across the marshes - it certainly was n't hunting regularly on the evening I was there !!
I decided to drive the "circuit" - those that know Frodsham Marsh will be aware of the track (calling it a track is actually being generous) that circumvents the "tanks", you can imagine my surprise or should I say "horror" at meeting another 4 x 4 coming in the opposite direction - it took some "breathing in" for the two us to pass each other.
And that was the end of the evening !
Herons appear to be abundant at the moment and are now in reasonable numbers on some of the ponds and streams.
So I found nothing to point the camera at this morning - not surprising really as I was not out until after 10.
I did bump into Peter who was out looking for Kingfishers.
He was "freshly" returned from the Maldives - having had encounters with Turtles, sharks and Mantas - his wife is looking to see when they can get back there - not a massive suprise !!!
As I drove back home my mind was on distant beaches and seas, the people who will be out there this September, the boat crews and island "team" who make sure your stay is everything you want it to be.
As the afternoon went by the weather held - it had been forecast to rain - so with a promise to back in an hour or so - I headed off.
Opening the front door there was a flurry of activity and feathers floating in the breeze.
On the floor was a Sparrowhawk with a pigeon in it's grip.
What could I do but ignore it look away, get round the corner and "leg" it to the car to get the camera.
Camera out and fortunately I had my 200mm lens with me.
Camera and lens attached I made my way back to the front door, both where still there the pigeon locked in the vice like grip of the Sparrowhawks talons.
When I first saw them they had both been in the sun (that 6pm golden sun) but the pigeon still very much alive had tried to escape when I had appeared and the pair had now fluttered into the shade of the building - fiddling with settings and cranking up the iso I managed a shot or two.
The Sparrowhawk gave me what can only be described as look of disgust and took off, leaving the pigeon alive but minus a good number of feathers.
I went on my way - in search of foxes.
The evening light was golden and the sun warm - I was not the only one taking advantage of the suns dying rays and a fox appeared - stalking the Magpies.
So no luck or dinner for either the Sparrowhawk or Fox.
The Rabbit just stood and watched the whole Magpie "hunt" from the side-lines, but he could be next - it's a long dark night ahead !
Comments
By Elsie: This is excellent from Elsie By Ken Duke: Excellent photography. By Ellen: Great pics leaving no imagination tothenarrative.Luv the style By kimlouise: fabulous work, really greatl By Dave: Great story telling with great images