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!!!

Tuesday 1 June 2010

Mouse for tea!

Have been away for the weekend so no chance for any owling, at least not until I got back this evening. Decided to get over to my latest little owl site (No 107) not far from Gilmorton, my intention's.......to try and get my first images of the resident owl(s).

I positioned the landrover not far from the suspect nest tree and watched the potential nest entrance. It wasn't long before I spotted an owl flying around with a mouse in its beak, my suspicions were soon confirmed as it flew to the nest hole and passed the half eaten mouse over a second owl (female) that popped out of the hole..........excellent a pair!!!!!


The male owl was off in a flash, presumably more hunting to do, the female sat at the hole devouring the remnants of the mouse carcass before it disappeared into the hole. It was at this stage I moved the landrover to a more advantageous position that made it easier to see the nest entrance. She then re-emerged with a very bloody face, obviously the mouse had been ripped to bits and fed her chicks.


The lay of the land at this location makes it perfect for owl in flight images, so that's what I am going to attempt very very soon..........watch this space!!!!!!!

Just around the corner from site 107 is site 92,  so beings as I was driving right past the nest tree on my way home I thought it rude not to stop off for a couple of minutes. I only had to wait for 30 seconds before a very obliging and confiding owl offered some cracking close views, it didn't hand around for long though!!!


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