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, 29 January 2012

Nipped out!

Not much time for owling on Saturday, a very tasty hangover put paid to my planned early start, then I had an appointment down the city in the afternoon to watch the football, not much time left for anything else then? It's amazing just how quick a day can flash by and nothing  seems to get done, however, as busy as I was I did still managed a quick visit out to check out three local sites where I made my first sighting of the year.

Little Owl site No 88. 




At my site No 86 a bird was located sitting on some straw bales in a barn, I think it was hunting for mice? It was pretty dark in there which resulted in quite a noisy image (grainy in the shadow areas) because of the need to use a high ISO setting.


My site No 10 also yielded a first sighting for the year, a pair where out here but only one of them came close enough for a quick snap.


Goodness knows how many owls I could see in a whole day if I dedicated the time to doing it? Without the hangover of course, so not much chance there then because nearly every weekend is spent recovering from one!!! 

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7 comments:

  1. Millhouse Photography29 January 2012 at 19:48

    I'm sat here, recovering from last night, enjoying your cracking Little Owls Paul!

    Have you ever done a day count for owls? Be interesting to set a record?

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  2. Mike Randall Bird Photography29 January 2012 at 20:15

    They are great pictures Paul. Suddenly realised where I am going wrong, my hang overs are not severe enough!

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  3. Unknown29 January 2012 at 21:05

    Preciosas fotos, me encantan!
    Saludos!!

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  4. colin29 January 2012 at 21:43

    Nice Header Rid whose idea was it to change them..................hehehe

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  5. Tammy30 January 2012 at 01:26

    Excellent photos! I especially love the composition of the first one!

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  6. Paul Riddle30 January 2012 at 09:43

    Christian, a day count for owls??? Just had a quick look back through some of my records and I've had 30+ on a couple of occasions. You have now "challenged" me, so later in the year I will see if I can do 40+ different owls in a day, possible I suppose as long as I'm not hung over!

    Mike, I don't recommended owling with a hangover, but if you are going to do it......do it properly!

    Yes Col I know it was your idea to keep changing my header. Please keep your great ideas to yourself in future, remember I have some video footage of you singing!!!!!

    Thanks to you all for your kind comments.......Paul.

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  7. Richard Pegler31 January 2012 at 16:31

    Nice to see you back with the little-uns again Paul - and with such excellent results too!!

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