My Best picture ever, take a look

[nigelblake]

Last night I sat for a very long time watching this same Barn Owl, it regularly hunts beside a road that is quite busy, at one point it sat on a fence post for over an hour staring into the oncoming headlights, always alert and always watching, then a gap in the traffic and across the road it shot, a brief hover then down, a distinctive arrowhead pose with the wings swept back to avoid breaking bones, it popped its head up for a look around a couple of times, then up and back to that favourite post, landing perfect on its small round top, the Vole hung limp in the Owls bill, though it was soon gone in a few convulsed heaves and stoops, then just the tail was visible like an after dinner cheroot waiting to be lit.
Dawn just started to cast a blur of purple blue along the horizon, my fingertips matched the colour, it was cold and my camera sat dormant as it had since I set it up. Home, hot coffee and bed beckoned and tempted like a brazen mistress, but I knew in my heart that this was the time that if I gave-in to temptation I could miss something special, the something that takes the sting of fatigue from the eyes and the cold cramp from your bones, I waited in concealment.
Dawn crept a little higher into the blue-black retreating night; the Barn Owl was now on another favourite perch, the top of a lamp that illuminates a road sign, a wise bird with warm feet, I was envious, and the bird was further away as the first warming rays of the morning painted neon edges on the frosty grass.
Cold was making me want to pee, with no pictures for my trouble I reluctantly started to pack my gear away, broke cover and headed for the car, convinced the bird had gone to roost. With the engine started I sat waiting for the frost on the screen to clear, and checked my D60 and 600mm were all set, I always have a readied camera and bean-bag on the seat just in case, feeling cold and lazy I wound down the passenger side window to clear the frost from the glass and could not believe my eyes……….. Take a look at this… I still could not believe my eyes when I downloaded the pictures, but I instantly forgot that I was cold.

Nigel

[Andrew]

A brilliant picture, you and Owls go together like Stawberries and Cream!

[clive c]

what a superb photo right up there with Eric Hoskins best well worth getting cold for! clive c

[Reader]

Two things are awesome here. The photo and the narration leading up to it.

That was some reading Nigel. I enjoyed it as much as the photo. Both of which must be your best work to date, and that is saying something when you consider the standard you have set yourself with.

Humungously awesome. How's that for a description.

Guess what is my wallpaper right now?

[Dave Smith]

Wow. Your patience certainly brings its rewards.

[Janie]

And the man can write, too!

Excellent story and photo.

[Tammie]

Nigel, that is just too much talent that I cannot hope to match in my lifetime. The story was wonderful and the picture was just the icing on the cake.

[Tim_in_indiana]

Nigel,

Quoting an often used saying from the States,"You the man!"

I think it might be time for you to consider a book dealing with nature photography. Not just pictures and info, but also personal narration. I think some sort of diary format. It really could be a best seller. I want an autographed copy:-).

Tim

[Fab]

Lovely, the owl's feathers remind me of a bridal gown embroidered with pearls!
Amazing!

Fab (newbie)

[Leisa]

Nigel, I've not met you but my friend Gaye Horn talks about you often. That is an incredible picture, and an incredible story to go along with it. Patience does pay off, even when not expecting it! Awesome :)

[bcurrie]

Have not seen all your photos, but this is certainly a great capture. I like the detail as well.

[Doug]

Poor rodent! Love the light in the shot and the detail captured in the grass

[Rosah]

This is a totally awesome photo and a wonderful, entertaining tale! I felt like I was right there waiting in the cold for a look at this bird. I agree with Tim; you need to be working on a book.

[Chuck A Wulla]

The mental attitude is the sort of thing I hoped to learn about in this group. The pictures are an unexpected bonus. Thanks.

[Marysan]

Nigel,

You never cease to amaze me. Terrific story line! Many thanks.

[robinm]

I think it was Edison who said that genius was 1pc inspiration and 99pc perspiration (or more like hypothermia in your case).

Great shot and great story.

Robin

[alan_rymer]

Nigel

The previous posters have said it all!.
Fantastic shot and the tale leading up to it.


Alan

[vicky@glos]

If you had not put the story first of how you got that wonderful picture, we would be even more jelous. But cos you told us of how long you waited for it, we now Know how you work.

I agree with Tim too! Can we have a book by next Christmas. It'll give you something else to do.

Oh and then you'll need a manager to organise all these book signings! (hint,hint!)

Hope your fingers have returned to normal again. If no fingers -no more photos for a wonderful master.

You should also organise a photography workshop for us all. Now there would be a great weekend.

Great photo mate. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Vicky@glos

[Paul 42]

Great story Nigel, and great photo. I think that sums up why we love birding, it's allways when we least expect it that we have a fantastic experience like yours.

[pnicholls]

An amazing photograph Nigel, should be in National Geographic. What a story to go with it! Congrats my friend.

[dylan]

You set the scene beautifully with your description & the picture is breathtaking!

Put me on the list for your book :)

[Andrew]

What do we want? A BOOK!
When do we want it? NOW!

[Raydes]

Nice reward for your patience,very well done congrats.
I dont know the right words for it (maybe)
This is a killer!
In the full meaning off saying.

[nigelblake]

I am currently working on a book, I hav'nt yet got a publisher, that is the next hurdle, but it is on its way!!!!!
Nigel

[Reader]

Oh boy, am I looking forward to seeing that book. Autographed copies for all the members. Steve's paying of course: LOL

Good luck in getting it published Nigel. Will it be just photos or are you going to relate to your many travels, encountered problems plus anything else you think might interest the buying public. You write so well that you must put in your excellent narrations.

I bet you have many stories to tell. Your book would be the perfect platform for many of them.

Who knows, we could well be on our way to witnessing the first Birdforum Author. Thrillers involving killer birds next, eh Nigel (Oh!! also including all the gory detailed photos by yours truly) LOL

[peter hayes]

Congratulations Nigel on achieving something that is beyond most people, however hard they try. But talking of hard work, your story is a classic example of how - though luck always plays a part in these things - it's hard work, concentration and patience that count above everything else.

You have such a class portfolio now Nigel, I wouldn't have thought getting a publisher would be a problem at all.

Best of luck and thanks.

[Andrew]

I am looking forward to the book and all the best in getting a decent publisher.

[jayhunter]

Nigel, Cracking photo in the end. But I thought you said you saw him earlier on the post eating a vole in a couple of gulps, how come you were unable to capture him then? Was it that it was too far away?

[nigelblake]

Hi Jayhunter
She was to far off when eating the vole and well out of flash range, this shot was about 50 minutes later.
I say she because the bird has a dark band to the upper breast, males are normally slightly smaller than this bird appeared and are very much cleaner looking with white on the upper breast and extending onto the sides of the head, this of course is the nominate race Tyto a. alba, around the world there are 34 races of Barn Owl, the plumages of these vary quite considerably.

[Gaye Horn]

Well Nigel now you have done it... you not only are the world's best photographer but you are a gifted narrator as well.
Thank you for sharing this incredible wait and reward with everyone...
IF there is a list to be had of potential buyers for that book may I suggest you add my name to that growing list of people that would also want your published works.
Again this owl with the vole is proof positive that you should indeed have the camera and bean bag ready to go at a moment's notice.
OUTSTANDING Nigel...

[NCLady]

I was totally spellbound by your story. The picture was the icing on the cake. More, more, we want more!!!

[Ragna]

Nigel
every body else has said it all . Best of luck with the book

[steve_nova]

Crikey, great shot. It's all been said. You indeed set the standard by which all others are measured.

[Screech]

How many adjectives can you pen to convey the magnitude of the "setup" and its rewarding "finish"; a magnificent moment in time. Thanks for inviting us into your "world". ...Inspiring!!

This is the "stuff" that great Nature Books are made of!

bob

[Matt W -Darlo]

Wow! Boy do i feel out of my depth here?...Fantastic Photo Nigel, and good luck with the book i will keep my on the shelves ;-)

[Booga]

You'll get it Nigel, and when you do I want you to sign my copy. I'm awestruck with this photo, and I feel immensely honoured to see it before it hits the shelves (and it will!). Thank you

[paula]

A very good read and WOW what a lovely image. The morning colours are so beautiful and the action great.
You are a star!

[LuBird]

Nigel,you certainly set the stage for a beautiful photo. If your book is written this way,it certainly will be unique.

I always felt there was something lacking in the Bird photo books I've looked at when at Barnes&Nobles Book Store and it is the excitement the photographer felt at the time the photo was taken.

Good Luck with your venture.

[andy]

Nigel

How are you getting on with your book, and do you have a date for its release.

Andy.

[John N]

I can only agree with all the others, I really enjoyed both the story and the photo. Thanks. Can't wait for the book.

[Tony_InDevon]

Ditto everything already said on the picture, story and book. Sorry can't think of anything origonal to say that has not been already, simply stunning :t:

[zcat]

so cute

[Elizabeth Bigg]

Hi zcat, and welcome to BF. I'm so glad that you mentioned this thread - it was started long before I joined, so I would have missed it but for your messsage.

Now, a message for Nigel - how is the book coming on - it will be on my wish list as soon as there is a publication date!

[IanF]

Hi Zcat,

On behalf of Admin and the Moderators, let me welcome you to Bird Forum :t:

I hope that you like the site. Feel free to join in any of the threads.

[janine13]

I want a copy of the book!!

Hey Nigel, ever come over to the States? Specifically FL?

[StevieEvans]

Perfection.
S

[Mike D]

Nigel - All the other replies sum up what I would say!! Thanks for a superb pic!

[christineredgate]

Nigel a truly awesome photo,your patience was certainly rewarded.Thankyou for the story and sharing the experience with us.
Christine.

[RichUK]

Hi,

Just wanted to add my congratualtions on a superb pic. Always nice to hear the story behind a picture too!

Rich.

[Wompoo Dove]

Wonderful picture Nigel.... Now I am drooling and wondering what camera you used!!!

[Alan henry]

Nigel,


Just simply superb.

Alan

Ex Bedfordshire resident