[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