Mee Outdoors Photography

It’s unusual to see owls in the daytime. Though really, it’s just unusual to see owls.

Yet, on this quiet Sunday in the greater Leck (Lancashire Yorkshire Dales) area in mid-July, we saw two.

I’ve never been barked at by a bird before. By a fox, certainly, but to be swooped upon, berated and in other ways warded off by uncommon local wildlife, was quite the joy.

The shadows here are courtesy of too much light.. not enough light… I’m not entirely sure. It’s just how it came out of the camera. wholly unintentionally.

This is what I love most about nature photos; or at least my hap-hazardous nature of taking them.

This was the final photo of the day before my Nikon to double bagged into waterproof sacks, and bundled into the rucksack as the worst storm I’ve even been out in, quite literally, rained down upon me.

Thunder roaring with lightning gyrating in all directions, giving a charcoal wash to our view of the Dales, while bathing the Lake District in a curious, and almost sepia, hue.

Soaked to the skin, I found to my great surprise I felt relaxed. Completely enveloped in nature. Which was handy, because escape was a good four miles away through head-high bracken.

It’ll be hard to forget an owl, seemingly chasing off its human company while weaving between impending storm clouds.

Though, perhaps not quite as memorable than being followed by a meadow pipit and its farce of a child – a young cockoo. Can you spot them?