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!!!

Wednesday, 10 March 2010

Buzzard out - Owl in!

Work had me starting out early yesterday morning and as I was heading out towards Lutterworth I drove past this buzzard sitting on a wire fence, I had the camera on board so I chanced my arm and turned back; luckily he hadn't flown off and actually posed quite nicely. Due to the low light levels and the mist shutter speeds were slow but I was pleased with the outcome considering the conditions.

No buzzard images for months and then 2 in a week, are buzzards buses???

On my return journey I went via the small Leicestershire village of Welham with the hope of seeing some little owls, according to my records I haven't seen these particulars birds since last summer! Anyway, upon arrival at the location no birds were in evidence so plan B came into action............playback my little owl call  that I have on my mobile phone! Within seconds a response, a calling bird was located on a wall about 100 mts away.

A heavily cropped image.....can you see him?

The calling wall owl then flew up to my left and into some ash trees where he was then joined by a second bird. The pair of them then excitedly went into a calling and screeching fit which lasted a good couple of minutes.

Site 9, Home Farm - Welham


1 comment:

  1. Nice Buzzard image Paul - as well as the LOs, of course!! I like the wall owl. I'm looking forward to getting some more images of LOs not in trees - I've only managed this at my barn site so far.

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