owls about that then!: Masters of Disgise

Hi and welcome to my Blog, my name is Paul Riddle and I live in south Leicestershire, UK. Back in August 2007 my quest began to locate as many local Little Owl territories as possible. The driving force was a reported decline in the uk numbers so I thought I would do my bit and conduct a study in my area. After 7 years and countless hours out in the field I have detected over 200 different sites. With a thirst for a greater understanding of the owls a more comprehensive monitoring and nest box programme then commenced. This also now includes monitoring the local and very sparse population of Barn Owls, please pop back occasionally and catch up with the life and times of my owls and any other wildlife that I come across. I hope you enjoy your visit!!!

Saturday, 9 January 2010

Masters of Disgise

Nipped out for an hour or so this morning, over at Countesthorpe I picked up this bird sunning itself in the middle of a pollarded willow............can you see him?

Site 53, Countesthopre - Soars Lodge (site B)

Willoughby Waterleys was the next destination, and after drawing a blank and seeing nothing at 3 other near locations this site provided the goods. I had an inclin to investigate an old apple tree and this proved to be a great hunch as a single LO was located low down in a crevice. He was enjoying what little warmth he could get from the winter sun in between the snow flurries. Very pleased it wasn't a "fruitless" visit as I hadn't previously managed a LO image from this site;-)