articles/Owls/mysteryowls-page4

Mystery, Superstition and Imagination Ashton's Owls - part 4 of 1 2 3 4 5 6

by Jon Ashton Published 01/02/2012

Owls are territorial, a characteristic that is particularly evident during the breeding season. They vigorously defend the nest and a well-defined, surrounding feeding territory, against members of the same species and other birds that might conceivably compete for the same resources. If the owls are dispersive, this territoriality lasts only for the duration of the breeding season. Owl pairs may remain together throughout the year. Owls do not construct nests as such, instead they are opportunistic nesters, using ready-made sites or taking over the abandoned nests of other birds. Owl species that breed in open terrain are often ground nesters. Short-eared owls often nest in or beside tussocks of grass; similar sites are sometimes chosen (on rare occasions) by long-eared owls and tawny owls, both are more usually treenesting species. Holes in trees are another preferred site for a wide variety of owls, and a few species, notably the barn owl, have adopted the man-made equivalent of these sites - namely, holes in barns and other outbuildings. The abandoned nests of crows and birds of prey are also favoured by many owl species, with sometimes little or no attempt to embellish the previous owner's construction. Lastly, natural rock crevices or ledges are used by a few species, including the eagle owl which has recently retaken residence in the UK. Owls will generally try to reoccupy the same nesting territories in consecutive years.

Photographic Technique

As always, I would like to reinforce the good nature photographer's code, ie the welfare of the animal is always paramount to that of the photographer. Never, ever, cause your subject distress by disturbing it or in this case inhibiting its flight path. When the bird flies it is for good reason and that usually is to find food; this costs the bird time and energy, and these are valuable assets to the bird. Disturbance will hinder the bird's capability to hunt and will waste valuable energy resource. The following comments are made primarily with regard to 'BIF' shots, ie 'Birds In Flight Shot' in mind. The photographer must at all times be alert and ready, ready to take images with ideal camera and lens settings. This is a pretty obvious statement but it is often easier said than done due to changing light conditions and changing flight direction.

The Weather

We have to take what we are given and maximise our chances; having said that it is a good idea to know when you are going to be totally unsuccessful. It is pointless trying to capture images of a short-eared owl flying over Burton marshes (or any other marshes or open fields) if the weather is not suited to bird flight. Owls do not like flying in the ain and will only do so if it is absolutely necessary, the same goes for snow. Equally, if there is a strong wind the owls find it difficult to hunt, not only because flying and manoeuvring is more difficult, but also because they will be unable to hear and accurately locate prey in the grasses due to wind noise.

• Mystery, Superstition and Imagination Ashton's Owls page 1
  
• Mystery, Superstition and Imagination Ashton's Owls page 2
  
• Mystery, Superstition and Imagination Ashton's Owls page 3
  
• Mystery, Superstition and Imagination Ashton's Owls page 4
  
• Mystery, Superstition and Imagination Ashton's Owls page 5
  
• Mystery, Superstition and Imagination Ashton's Owls page 6
  

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