Hello from KentYeti

KentYeti · #1 (**permalink**) 26-02-2011, 08:06 AM

Hello everyone.

Thanks to Sunnydale I've decided to join W.A.B. I hill walk with her down here in Kent where I live and up in the Dales and Peaks of her home patch. And whilst I have always had an interest in wildlife, she is helping me take it to a new level.

Especially on Monday this week when, after she had been gently mentioning the name for a good few months , she and I finally spent a day on Sheppey. Just 20 miles from my home area of 28 years.

And, WOW!

Undoubted highlight amongst many was crawling along in the car towards Capel Fleet following a post hopping short eared owl. A bird I instantly fell in love with. Virtually full frame in my humble binos.

Went back with a camera on Thursday and saw the owl again, and according to one of the other guys at Capel Fleet, 16 Marsh Harriers at one time as they circled before roosting.

Took photos, pretty rubbish by my standards. I've photographed fast moving objects all my life, (mainly steam locos but aircraft for a spell), and I set very high standards for myself.

So I'm thinking about getting a reasonable lens for my Nikon D80 to go birding with. Done some research, (the Ken Rockwell site was interesting, Yetis love crawling around in the mud! LOL!), but would really like to hear what the experts say here. I'll probably find the relevant threads but a prod or two in the right direction will help.

Farplace · #2 (**permalink**) 26-02-2011, 08:52 AM

Welcome to WAB. Im sure you'll fit in nicely here!
jan

wizzo · #3 (**permalink**) 26-02-2011, 11:52 AM

Hi Yeti and welcome to WAB. Hope you enjoy it here - Wizzo

gregA · #4 (**permalink**) 26-02-2011, 03:02 PM

Hi and welcome to WAB

Grimalkin · #5 (**permalink**) 26-02-2011, 05:35 PM

Hi and welcome, I'm from Kent too and a newbie. Seems like a friendly and helpful forum, though I have noticed there are a few feisty members

Deb London · #6 (**permalink**) 26-02-2011, 05:49 PM

Hi Yeti,

That sighting sounds smashing. Hoping to hear many more of your wildlife tales.

Welcome to WAB

Deb

sunnydale · #7 (**permalink**) 28-02-2011, 07:05 AM

Hi Bryan!

Sorry I haven't popped in to say 'hello' before now. As you know, there are things going on in 'sunny-dale' that are keeping me away from my interests ATM!

I had a fabulous time on Sheppy and was thrilled to see, for the first time, the Short Eared Owl and the Marsh Harrier.

Both birds were out on the hunt and if I remember correctly, the Owl dropped down into a banked ditch and caught some sort of small furry mammal. The little Egret that was lurking in the ditch seemed oblivious, as the Owl flew up and carried it's prey to a fence post! What amazing views we had of it!
And then, the beautiful Barn Owl too!

I will send you a list of everything else we spotted as soon as I can, just in case you forget.

Lovely to have you on board!

See you soon,

Sunny.x

P.S I hope those Oyster shells haven't started to stink! You might need to wash them again! LOL