Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous, very "spring like" and real pleasure to be "owl n about". My plan for the day was to get around as many Little Owl sites as possible trying to confirm if there were pairs in residence prior to the breeding season. The day didn't really go to plan though as my entire time was spent at only two sites! Although the weather was absolutely perfect for owl watching they obviously didn't see it that way?
At my site No 105 some great views and photo opportunities were had....... eventually!
Male owl calling.
A tight squeeze getting out of this hole!
The exact nest location at my site No 14 has eluded me for the last four years, I knew roughly where it was because I've seen the adults & youngsters flying around in the same area, but the nest cavity has remained a secret......until today!
The local landowner informed me he had acquired some more fields adjacent to his existing and I was free to have a drive around and explore, no further encouragement needed!! This meant that for the first time I could view the suspect nest trees from the other side. A slow drive past revealed two very "owly" looking cavities, problem was they were in different trees about 25 metres apart! The only way I could observe them both at the same time was to park up in the middle of the field and view through my binoculars.
After a bit of scanning two owls were seen out sunning themselves in the tree to my left, as I moved in closer they became nervous and disappeared into a cavity, and yes it was one of the two I'd been watching! I parked up, got the camera out and waited for them to emerge........
A 2 hour and 45 minute wait was finally rewarded when the first owl popped out!
Closely followed by Owl No 2.
The nest tree at my Little Owl site No 105 is situated right next to a small stream, occasionally whilst watching the owls (or in today's case waiting) I see a few different species of birds that are attracted to the water. The odd Kingfisher is seen flashing past but they don't hang around long enough for me to get an image. Whilst there yesterday this chap (below) was spotted feeding in the margins, a rare sighting indeed to this area, and what made it all the more memorable was the fact I managed to grab an image of it
Common Sandpiper
Great pics mate nice one of the Sandpiper,
ReplyDeleteCheers Col, not often you see them when out owling!
DeleteI can't imagine how exciting it must be to see these amazing owls! Your photos are outstanding! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteTammy I've now been watching the local owls for four years and still it is a thrill every time I see one......they are great!
DeleteI love the one with the owl poking out - "what's going on, I want to see!"
ReplyDeleteYes it was funning to watch as the hen owl trying to push herself out of that tiny hole, didn't get the image quite in focus though!
DeleteMore brilliant images, Paul! Like Christian, I love the 'tight squeeze' third image, and the expressions on their faces. My favourites, however, are the two from your Site No.14, although they both look pretty miserable for some reason - did you wake them up??
ReplyDeleteThat Common Sand image is a cracker!!
Yes I like the two images of the owls emerging from the nest hole too Richard. I didn't realise before but they do look a bit grumpy, I guess they had had an argument!
DeleteHi Paul, isn't that a Green Sandpiper?!...
ReplyDelete