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!!!

Sunday 4 July 2010

Friday Night.

I'd got an hour spare on Friday night before I was due to go out and have a few beers, do I sit in an watch a bit of TV or do I nip out and check for more fledged little Owl chicks????? The latter won hands down!

Due to the time constraints I had to go to a local site, and one of which I hadn't checked out yet, the chosen location was site No 32 near to Peatling Magna.

I was conscious of how little time I had, but I needn't of worried as the 1st adult owl was soon sighted in the nest tree and it didn't do its usual disappearing act, I wonder why? It didn't appear to really be bothered by my presence, then I realised why, the chicks were out!!!!! And what good fortune, all 3 of them as well. They were all clambering about high up in the tree, obviously the adult bird was keeping a close eye on them ............and me!!!!!

Double click on any image for an enlarged and more detailed version.

Adult No 1 - Keeping a watch out.


The chicks seemed inquisitive and dropped lower into the tree to get a better look at me and the Landrover, this offered some excellent photo opportunities, when they weren't hiding behind the branches and leaves that is.

 Juvenile No 1 - Peek-a-boo!
  

Juvenile 2 - A little more showy.


Juvenile 3 - The shyest!


Juvenile 1 - The bravest and boldest!


Adult No 2 then showed with some food, all hell was then let loose as all three Juveniles scrambled and squawked their way up the tree to be the first for the incoming morsel, chick No 1 was the winner..............surprise, surprise!!!!


I wish all my excursions could be as short and productive as this was, guess I will pay for it when I next go out??

2 comments:

  1. Well worth it, the few pints of beer, when you're into Little Owl whole family. Thanks Paul.

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