Went up Arthur’s Seat in search of the otter on Dunsapie Loch. He was a no-show. However, a couple of male pheasants showed-up. They were just wandering about, scratching in the grass for food. I had my camera all set with the big lens plus x1.4 extender (140-560 mm), ready for long-distance otter shots. I started taking shots of them and moving closer… and taking shots… and moving closer… I was waiting for the point that they started to move away from me. Erm, no… they came up to me to see if I had any food for them! As it happened, I had a bag of mixed seed on me. I scattered some for them right at my feet. That was quickly pecked-up. Then I wondered, would they take it from my hand. I offered them some. No bother! Taking it just like the robins in the Botanic Gardens. Problem was you can’t take photos of them with a 140-560 mm lens when they are literally at your arm’s length!
They were obviously 2 young birds put down by a shoot to the south of the city. They have done the right thing and got well away from the guns. I said to them: “You stay right where you are guys. You are doing the right thing!” However, if the otter sees them (and he’s been filmed with a mallard in his mouth), they are going to be the easiest targets he’ll have had.