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 13 September 2011

Gales!

Geeez, now that's what I call a windy day, normally conditions like this are absolutely useless for seeing owls, I nearly didn't bother going out last night, but there are always exceptions to the rules! 

My site No 87 was where I finally saw an owl, it was located huddled low down in the bottom of a hedgerow keeping  out of the gales. I couldn't managed a clear shot because of the wire fence in the foreground!


In time a total of five owls showed themselves, they were very confiding too. At least four of them were juveniles from this years brood. They seemed to be more focused on keeping out of the wind than they were of my presence! They spent most of their time sitting on the fence posts that were on the sheltered side of the hedgerow.

Below is an image of each one of the five owls (I think!).





Just before I left the wind got up to howling proportions, it was at this stage that three of the owls dropped down to the bottom of the hedgerow to gain more protection, shame about the wire in the way as it would have made a rather nice image!


2 comments:

  1. This is just great, wonderful photos of the owls, birds I love and admire. what a pleasure, thanks!

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