A brush with the Police and short-eared owls. . .

[PMG]

I'm a reasonably law abiding woman . . . and I rarely shout at the police - but I did yesterday and got away with it!

There we were waiting for the short-eared owls to come out and feed at Kinmel. We had been there cramped in the car for and hour and three quarters when I spied one in the far right distance get up and disappear behind some buildings on the industrial estate. Cameras (which had been checked a dozen times already) were checked again and hands got a bit sweaty and shakey. . .

After a while there were three owls flying around searching for food and a few too many folk, which is where the police came in. . . I assume they are just keeping on eye on folk, showing a presence, maybe taking car numbers - whatever. So there I was in a fever of frustrated expectation having tracked one bird up and down the field over the road (instead of on the hump beside us) when this police car appeared in my view and idiot me shouts 'GO AWAY' I knew immediately that I had been lip-read quite clearly by both officers . . . come to that with four windows down and a voice like mine its possible I was heard in Abergele. . . The police drove to the end of the road turned round and sidled to a stop outside our car, which along with everyone else was parked half on the pavement and half on the grass beyond. Oh hell! The policewoman in the passenger seat asked about the owls and were we having any luck! I explained and owned up to the 'go away' comment and asked her if she had lip read me, to which she burst out laughing - which I took as a definite yes!!! I told her the bird was flying alongside them at window level if they had been looking out left instead of looking out right at the line of cars and photographers!

After a week in bed poorly with yet another damn virus and a severe reaction to the wrong antibiotics which nearly put me in hospital, yesterday was a treat from paradise. First the little gang of waders at Rhos and then the owls later on was really a very good day . . .

[glsammy]

Nice one Pauline. I can just imagine how you felt when that car pulled up beside you!!

What a relief when all she did was ask how you were doing.

Glad to hear your well enough to get out and about again.

[PMG]

Yes Graham - my heart sank really quickly - I thought I was going to be in real bother- or worse get everyone moved from their pavement parking spots . . . that would have been a real bummer to live down!!

The guy next to us in front had already been shouting at a birder with a telescope and three kids - who allowed his kids to roam off the road and into the roosting area. Then three other birders with scopes got out of their car and seemed to be preparing to wander up and down, or maybe even stand between the parked cars. . .

I wish folk would just think a little bit more, use a bit more fieldcraft. Its obvious no-one is outside their car: some had been parked there since the morning. Come on birders - surely it makes sense for the birds to come to you? Do you like looking at magazines and websites like this one full of great pictures of birds? Well if you do - some patient photographer has usually either had to work hard in a variety of ways - or wait a long time to get his/her pic . . . Very few bird pics are the result of happenstance or luck. I know of instances where photographers (some well known!) have charged thro patient birders to get a photograph, so it does cut both ways but all that's needed is a little tolerance. . .

Pauline

BTW Graham - thanks for good wishes - I'm picking up again and wondering what I'm missing outside!

[matt_xyz]

your post made me chuckle Pauline, I'm glad you got away with it. So did you eventually manage any photos?

Matt

[PMG]

Yes Matt but Kev Lewis and Jon don't need to worry about any competition from me in that sphere yet - but that is a 'yet'!!! Don't know whether website been overly busy or maybe mods overworked but my pics must have been in a long queue of other pics waiting to be passed so are about 4 pages back now!!

Pauline

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by PMG

Yes Matt but Kev Lewis and Jon don't need to worry about any competition from me in that sphere yet - but that is a 'yet'!!! Don't know whether website been overly busy or maybe mods overworked but my pics must have been in a long queue of other pics waiting to be passed so are about 4 pages back now!!

Pauline

I've had a quick look but can't see any images from you Pauline in the queue.

[matt_xyz]

yes, sorry about the queue Pauline. It seems all of us mods were a bit busy yesterday so there were dozens waiting when I had a look this afternoon. They're very nice shots Pauline, both of them.

Matt

[matt_xyz]

Originally Posted by glsammy

I've had a quick look but can't see any images from you Pauline in the queue.

Graham, I moderated them earlier. Pauline was referring to the fact that they never appeared on the latest 20 uploads because there were quite a few more recently uploaded images in the queue. I'm afraid hers have been buried somewhat! Just so they get their fair share of exposure, I'll include them here;





Matt

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by matt_xyz

Graham, I moderated them earlier. Pauline was referring to the fact that they never appeared on the latest 20 uploads because there were quite a few more recently uploaded images in the queue. I'm afraid hers have been buried somewhat! Just so they get their fair share of exposure, I'll include them here;





Matt

Nice one Matt. That explains it. Lovely shots Pauline!

[PMG]

Thanks Matt - you mods are sweethearts - I dread to think just how busy the site can get - its ok us lot getting snap happy and wanting to see our pics 'up there' but it must be a nightmare at times! I have enough fun with my own computer and its little gremlins and losing stuff etc I'd hate to be in control of other folks stuff!!!