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, 15 January 2011

Windy Woes!

Owl 'n' about with Daz today, our primary aim was to have a rekkie around the southern area looking for suitable habitat that would be good for Barn Owl box locations. Obviously we would welcomed any Little Owl showing along the way, but we knew it was going to be tough as it was blowing a gale, and Little Owls just don't like these conditions! 

Anyhow,  during the day we did see a few Little Owls, first to show itself, or rather show its head was this single bird at site No 92 near to Gilmorton. He was tucked away nicely sheltering out of the wind just inside the nest entrance.


Second Little Owl to reveal itself was at my recently found site No 141 near Ashby Parva. As with the first owl it was located sheltering out the wind tight up to the tree trunk. Pretty pleased with this image as its the first half decent image in the day time of this owl.


The third and final Little Owl sighting of the day was again found near its nest hole sheltering out of the wind. It was at site No 142 near to a local golf course at Leicester Forest East. I am also pretty pleased with this image, not because of the quality but because it is my first ever image of an owl at this site after at least a dozen visits!


So not a lot to talk about today, pretty uneventful really. We did however locate a few derelict barns that showed signs of Barn Owls using them as roosting sites, won't be long before there's a box up and hopefully they will then become breeding sites?
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6 comments:

  1. John Herrick17 January 2011 at 14:57

    I am impressed with your site (nicely presented), your photos (what do you use for a camera?), and your discourse! Thanks for sharing!

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  2. Paul Riddle17 January 2011 at 17:51

    Hi John, thanks for your kind comments. I use a canon 40D with a sigma 150-500.

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  3. Anonymous18 January 2011 at 17:52

    Greetings from Oklahoma USA
    Enjoyed the visit to your owl blog! I am a MOD from Molly's and McGee's owl box. Keep up the good work! Sherry Kelly, Author of The Big Life of a Little Man: Michael Dunn Remembered (Google it!)

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  4. realcurve18 January 2011 at 20:23

    Also a MOD from Molly & McGee's Owl Box - Great Blog - great works Pam Reynier Prescott, AZ !

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  5. JKW18 January 2011 at 21:47

    Thanks for posting your blog (M&M DEET). I love all owls and the way you show them off. I will follow so that I don't miss a blog episode. I am JanKW on the chat sites, unless it's when I have to use AOL for the movie night and then I'm SunshineJKW. Blessings, Janet

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  6. Paul Riddle18 January 2011 at 22:27

    Hi guys, there seems to be a lot of visitors just recently from the good ol' united states of America, (not sure why?) but you comments are most welcome. You are all welcome to come and visit the new little ol' "state of the UK" and I will show you around!......God bless the USA!!!!

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