Short Eared Owls
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- čas přidán 6. 01. 2024
- Join me on an exhilarating journey deep into the heart of Lancashire's sprawling moorlands as I embark on a quest to capture the mystical beauty of the elusive short-eared owl. These majestic creatures, with their golden eyes and unique hunting habits, call this rugged terrain their home.
In this adventure-packed vlog, witness the excitement and anticipation as I set out in the last hours of sunlight, equipped with my camera gear and a passion for wildlife photography. As the sun begins to set on the horizon, the moorland awakens, and I navigate through the undulating landscape, guided by local knowledge and intuition.
Experience the thrill of the hunt as I patiently stake out prime vantage points, eagerly awaiting the appearance of these remarkable owls. Their stealthy flights and graceful movements across the open moors make for captivating moments, and I'm determined to seize the perfect shot.
Through moments of anticipation and awe, I share insights into the natural behavior and habitat of these magnificent birds, shedding light on their importance in Lancashire's ecosystem. The challenges of capturing these elusive creatures on camera only add to the excitement, and each sighting becomes a cherished opportunity.
As the day unfolds, I'll take you behind the scenes, sharing tips and tricks for wildlife photography amidst the stunning backdrop of Lancashire's moorlands. From adjusting camera settings to understanding light conditions, learn alongside me as I strive to immortalise the beauty of these enigmatic owls in their natural environment.
Whether you're an avid wildlife enthusiast or simply captivated by the raw beauty of nature, this video promises an immersive and breathtaking experience. Join me on this exhilarating expedition as I attempt to freeze-frame the magic of Lancashire's short-eared owls in their untamed, windswept habitat. Don't miss out on this unforgettable adventure!
If you have any suggestions of locations to feature in upcoming videos but don't want to share them in the comments, why not drop me an email at danwillisphotography@gmail.com
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As always, click like and subscribe and until next time, ta-rah
Been watching your videos for awile now nice job nice when you have Pops along from USA
Thanks very much Joseph, appreciate it 👍🏻
Thanks for the video. I saw a short eared owl and a barn owl on Boxing day within 10mins of each other in Lincolnshire when I was driving to a bird watching location with my Z8 and 180-600mm. Had to hastily park the car and managed to get some nice shots.
Thanks for your comment it’s really appreciated. I love it when you get some unexpected shots from the car, glad you got some great shots 👍🏻
Another great video mate. Just proves that following a period of inclement weather it is a good opportunity to go and find wildlife, they will be hungry! Look forward to the next video, cheers! 👍
Thanks very much Owen, really appreciate your comment and support 👍🏻
Great video Dan, such a majestic bird to watch.
Thanks very much mate, really appreciate it 👍🏻
Great video Dan, enjoyed it very much, enjoy Scotland.
Thanks Sheila, really appreciate your comment and support 😊
Love seeing and watching Shorties, they are so photogenic, beautiful birds and they seem to fly sooooo easy. Had some good times with them at Gibraltar point nr Skegness, photos with them looking straight at you. So, you had a tip off, is that by way of a service like bird guides etc.
Thanks for your comment and it sounds like you have had some great encounters at Gibraltar point, not somewhere I have been before but might look into for the future.
Tip off came by way of a friend telling me they were there.
All the best 👍🏻
Another great video I had some great SEO shots at one of my regular reserves we have about 26 good luck in Scotland I will be going back to the Peak District again this year!!
26, Wow that’s a phenomenal number of shorties and I imagine a spectacle to see.
I will know doubt be trudging the Peaks in search of them again so might bump into you at some point.
All the best mate 👍🏻
Good video Dan...we get them in the Dee estuary grasslands..though it's so vast u have to be very lucky to get them close..the water is a few miles but a few times a year there's a spring tide we're the water comes up to the sea wall at parkgate...wildlife is amazing can get raptors and owls up close..picking off water rail and rodents😮
Thanks very much Paul, I’d heard that the Dee estuary was a good location. Sounds amazing at a spring tide might just have to look into that.
All the very best 👍🏻
@danwillis_photography aim for old swimming baths parkgate..does get very busy for spring tides..we're aiming for 12 March..are a couple before that but working
Lovely video Dan. Really enjoyed it. I haven't managed to get out myself yet to find some SEO, but hope to get to Bempton soon. Good luck in Scotland 👍
Thanks very much Paul, I can definitely recommend Bempton as a location for Shorties. They really do come close and are very active.
All the best 👍🏻
Very enjoyable 😊
Thanks very much Carl 👍🏻
me and lilly have been sat watching ur videos. absolutely mint sir🤟🏾✌🏾
Thank you
Good video Dan, reflects the work that goes in and it doesn't always go our way - but then that's what makes it fun and keeps us going back
Cheers Mick, I totally agree with you on that. If it were easy everyone would be getting shots and where would the fun be with that?
All the very best mate 👍🏻
I’m glad you made this video! It’s good to show that not every day is a photograph day. You got some awesome video showing them in their environment and interacting with each other. Nicely done!
Thanks very much Louisa, I really appreciate that. Thanks for your support.
All the best 😊
Great stuff as always Dan. Will definitely have to get on the short eared trail as not seen one yet. So jealous you off up to the Cairngorms. Just love it up there. Are you staying at the Grants. Safe journey 👍😃
Thanks very much Ian. The Cairngorms was a short but fantastic weekend break. I stayed at the Boat of Garten just outside Aviemore. I’ll probably be planning a return visit in February so will check out the Grants.
All the best 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography yes went there when we were up there in September, stunning place. Look forward to the video in Feb. 👍
Wildlife photography can be so frustrating, some days everything turns to gold another day s@#t, but thats what makes it so rewarding when you get that one shot and you go YEESSSS finally. Everything is planned out to perfection and then the "subject" just decides not to play along, and when they do turn up their bloody miles away 😂😂.
Another tremendous video Dan, not the best day photographically for yourself but a new area scoped out so not all was lost.
Best of luck in Scotland photographing the hares and all the best for your upcoming adventures, can't wait to see what you have planned for us.
Thanks very much Allan and you are, of course, absolutely right about when it all comes together and you get the shot it’s just the best experience ever.
Thanks for your continued support and I hope you enjoy the adventures of this year 👍🏻
Another quality video Dan
Thanks very much David 👍🏻
Lovely photos of the short eared owls, and amazing videos of them hunting! Best of luck with the mountain hares, looking forward to the video.
Thanks very much Lynne, really appreciate it 😊
How about white-tailed eagles. I only ever see bald and goldens here in Canada. Great Channel. Thanks
Thanks very much Graham and thank you for your suggestions I really appreciate them. Incidentally I would love to photograph Bald Eagles in the wild, such a majestic bird.
Cheers Dan for another fantastic video, through these you have helped me plan my adventures, and help me get out an explore the places that I've never been. Keep up the great work, looking forward to the next video. xx
Thank you. This was always the original aim of the channel, to share adventures which would hopefully inspire people to try them out for themselves. I’m glad you are enjoying them 😊
Another great vlog, Dan. I love short eared owls, and I was fortunate to have my first encounter with them yesterday 😁
Thanks very much Lee, hope you got some awesome shots of them!
All the best 👍🏻
Tremendous video once again Dan. And good luck with the mountain hares. Look forward to that video. All the best.
Thanks very much Sean, really pleased you enjoyed it.
All the very best 👍🏻
Loved this video as I have previously commented you are a natural on camera very informative and a joy to listen to and your photography is par excellence .Cannot wait for your next screening .
Thank you, what a fantastic comment to read and I really appreciate it.
All the very best and I hope you enjoy the Mountain Hares of Scotland, coming soon 😊
Here we go again 👏👍👏👍👏👍 Can't wait!!!
😂😂😂 hope you enjoy it Allan 👍🏻
There's no doubt in my mind😉
It’s always the way Dan, as soon as you move, I managed to see a Shortie last Thursday morning, very much like you, really only record shots, heading out early tomorrow morning to try again, looking forward to seeing the results of your Scotland trip
Thanks very much Derek, always a pleasure.
I hope you got some cracking shots on your return visit mate 👍🏻
Evening Dan, you might not have had the best images or footage due to the distance of the Shorties in this one, but no worries you make up for it with your perseverance and personality. Looking for wildlife is always hit and miss even in the best locations ,so whatever the outcome your videos are still great to watch. You mentioned your next escaped is to film mountain hare and White Grouse,looking forward to it. Up in my neck of the woods we have Black Grouse , Northumberland and County Durham, Langdon Beck in Teesdale is good sight for the lek ,someone does early morning tours around April I believe, maybe a site to consider. Thanks for another great video Dan, looking forward to your next 👍 Derek
Thanks Derek, really appreciate your kind words and support.
A black grouse lek is very high on my list of must see experiences with UK wildlife so really appreciate you sharing that Derek, if you have any further details about it please let me know.
All the best mate 👍🏻
I always enjoy your videos. Great images, insights and perspectives. Happy new year to you, my friend across the pond.
Happy New Year to you too mate, always appreciate your comments Freeman 👍🏻
Hi Dan, another great video, I'm trying to find them myself! Albeit around Staines reservoir near Heathrow airport of all places but the area is very flooded! Just wondering, your trousers seam to have waterproof panels! Are they OK, Where can I buy them plz?
Thanks very much Grant. I would imagine photographing them near to the airport would be challenging but with good numbers this year I’m sure you’ll get some in no time.
The trousers are a water repellent trouser from decathlon. If I find a link I’ll pass it on 👍🏻
Some nice video footage Dan, I guess it's always going to be difficult getting them close enough when you are out on the moors and trying not to second guess yourself. Looking forward to the Scottish videos Mountain Hare's in the snow that's got to be a bucket list shot, best of luck I hope you get some. Cheers.
Thanks very much Kevin, I think with a few more visits I might get lucky with the owls. As for the Mountain Hares, got back late last night after a fantastic trip, Scotland is an epic country 👍🏻
Great video Dan! You don't always have to get a million shots for it to be a great day! My latest video is a culmination of going to the same area over and over. I finally got the whitetail bucks sparring. I was so proud. My videography needs some work, but it was special! Great video, Brother! I'm looking forward to the Scotland video! Thanks for letting me tag along!
Thanks very much Jon. I know what you mean about how rewarding some trips can be, even with minimal shots. I think when you work hard for a shot they’re all the more rewarding.
I hope you enjoy the Scottish weekend away I certainly enjoyed the experience 👍🏻
Great video,🤘🤘🤘today my friends and I were chasing the Laughing Gull in Cusco Perú from, 5:30am but not success, so we enjoyed it and keep chasing lifers.
I’ve never heard of a laughing gull, that sounds amazing. Thanks for your comment and continued support it’s really appreciated 👍🏻
Brilliant mate. Always nice to scout a new location.
Cheers Craig, absolutely it is 👍🏻
Lovely video Dan, as per usual, make the most of the bumper year we’re having with the shorties totally different place so it doesn’t make any difference that you’ve just done a video on them!
Good luck with the mountain hares in snow, I don’t think there will be much chance of me capturing them in the snow where I’m going next week 🤣
Thanks very much Andy, always appreciate your comments and support mate. Hope you have a fantastic trip 👍🏻
Very nice Dan!
As you said it’s been a bumper year for shorties pretty much everywhere in the UK you won’t have your travel too far to find them. I’ve been out to my local fencing again today & got some more photos & a bit of footage.
Best of luck up in Scotland bud, really hope it pays off for you this time. I will email you some suggestions for places down here in East Anglia & we could possibly meet up then.
Enjoy your trip bud 🏴 🐇 🦅 🐔
Keep on keeping on!
Best,
Nick
Thanks Nick, always appreciate your comments and continued support. I’ve seen that you have been nailing the SEO’s down in your neck of the woods.
I will definitely check out your suggestions and yes a meet up would be fantastic mate and long overdue 👍🏻
Great video Dan good content really enjoyed it .
Thanks very much mate, really appreciate it 👍🏻
Excellent footage mate, short eared owls are one of my favourite birds and I’ve been trying to photograph them on the western side of the peak district for a while now, I’ve still never seen one, might have to travel to Bempton cliffs
Thanks very much Oliver. I can thoroughly recommend Bempton for a better than average chance of experiencing Shorties, well worth the trip 👍🏻
Enjoyed that one. You still got better images than I’ve managed in weeks of trying😆. Absolute swines they are. It’s as if they know your focal length and keep just out of range!! Bit of a climb isn’t it?😀
Couldn’t have done it without your suggestion mate, really appreciate it. It was a tougher climb than I expected that’s for sure 😂
All the best 👍🏻
Looking forward to it! Still need to get myself to Bempton to see the owls. No doubt this will help the process
Thank you. Definitely get yourself over to Bempton for a better than average chance of experiencing the Shorties, it’s well worth the trip 👍🏻
Nice Dan, you cant ever have too many shorties! planning on heading over to Bempton on Sunday so fingers crossed they are still playing!
Thanks very much Graham, hope you have a great trip to Bempton. It never disappoints 👍🏻
Great video mate.
Have you done many videos at St Aidans? There's a Glossy Ibis showing pretty well there at the moment and there were 3 Shorties doing the rounds there in November.
Thanks very much, really appreciate it. I’ve not done St Aidans but you are the second person to suggest this so I think it will definitely be featuring in a video coming soon 👍🏻
What focus mode did you use for stills on the Z9? I was just out and couldn’t find a mode that didn’t hunt. I was using the new 600mm 6.3. Thanks
Thanks for your question. Ordinarily I use 3D tracking for around 85% of my photography. However this is usually rendered useless with the shorties as their colouration is so similar to the background that the focusing system struggles to lock on. Almost all shots were achieved with wide area small with some instances being single point focus.
Hope that helps and best of luck 👍🏻
Nice one Dan! What a location for them!
Seems like the SEOs haven't stopped around us for this winter - hopefully there'll be a few weeks in the spring when they're about as they migrate back up north...
Good luck with the hares and hopefully they're in good snow conditions!
PS. What's the name of the music in this one?
Cheers Geoff, always a pleasure to read your comments.
I did get to see SEO’s in the Findhorn Valley whilst up in Scotland so hopefully one or two have stayed around.
The piece of music is from Epidemic sounds and is called’For What is Right’ by Trevor Kowalski. A fantastic piece of music 👍🏻
There was one SEO seen at our local wetland in the autumn but then nothing since - I’ve been plenty of times on ‘likely’ days and o know a lot of others check that location too.. Some years we’ve had several here but maybe the cold autumn weather drove more of them south this year (hence the bumper year further south)..?
Ah yes, Trevor Kowalski! I thought the style was familiar :) Nice choice!
Cheers mate 👍🏻
hello Dan, not a good video, there are too many talkers and in my eyes not enough pictures so I hope the next one will be better, have a good day
Sorry you did not enjoy this one
@@danwillis_photography I don’t understand how anyone can say they didn’t enjoy this video & that there was too much talking…………WTF!
Loved the video Dan especially the talking as your giving a run down as the video proceeds, plus I like hearing your thought process & giving out some really useful tips & hints.
Keep the talking going & can’t wait till the next one. 👏👏👏👏👍
@@user-markparker thanks very much Mark, really appreciate that 👍🏻