Local knowledge of a photographic location is indispensable. Knowing at what time of year to visit to see particular species, exactly where to look, noting how the sun moves across the landscape and at what time of day the place ‘comes alive’ make all the difference.
Last week, after a bit of a vigil at one of my favourite nature reserves I was diverted in a different direction after discovering that the reserve was unexpectedly closed. I decided to drive to the nearest place I could think of where I might be able to get a few shots. I had only been there a couple of times before and first impressions were not great. I had come back with with a blank memory card both times.
Still half asleep, having made the effort to get to my original location before sunrise, I was not pleased to see the sun quickly rising above the horizon. It appeared larger than I have ever seen it – an African sunrise in England.
Feeling rather over-tired my emotions were blown slightly out of proportion and I could not help but feel total despair as I watched the sun getting higher in the sky knowing that I still had fifteen minutes worth of driving ahead of me and was not holding out much hope for when I arrived.
Weaving my way down a rather narrow pot-holed track I spotted the outlines of a couple of hares, their brown coats perfectly camouflaged against the ploughed earth beneath a sea of vivid yellow oil seed rape. A little way ahead, I could just make out a white bird sat atop a fence post. It was a barn owl.
There was nothing I could do to conceal my approach. The landscape was more-or-less flat and there was nothing to hide behind. I had no option but to stay in the car. The owl appeared quite relaxed, so I decided to try and get a little closer. Every time it looked away, I crept a little further forward. Despite much practice, creeping in an old Rover Metro is not easy.
I managed a few shots before it flew off and began hunting amid the pink waves of mist floating across the fields.
This new location is clearly best at dawn…………
- Jodie
www.jodierandall.co.uk
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