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!!!

Monday 9 April 2012

Bank Holiday........Part 2

I had planned to make the most of this Bank Holiday Monday and have another owlathon, but I had second thoughts as a couple of blog followers were kind enough to pre-warn me that the weather was going to be awful! So with that in mind I sneaked out over the weekend instead, here are a few images I was lucky enough to capture whilst out......

Little Owl in flight, a terribly difficult piece of action to capture, I'm pretty pleased with this effort though!


A re-visit to one of my "newer" sites, No 205 near to Gilmorton found both the resident owls sheltered up in a hollow tree. I was able to get the Landrover very close without spooking them and this image (below) was the result.


Although the owls at my site No 154 were out and very active I couldn't get very close to them! So I offer this "arty" image (below) of the hen owl sitting in a hollow tree trunk. 


I try to avoid "back lit" images when ever possible, highlights and defining shadows are lost leaving an image looking "flat". Although it wasn't sunny it was still pretty bright and coming from behind the owl (below) at my site No 135.     


I have found that Little Owls don't like the wind, so when it is windy searching for them is made all the more easier if you look on the sheltered side of trees and hedgerows. Employing this method the Little Owl at site No 136 was found with ease. He was roosting on the topside of a small crevis and all fluffed up to help retain his warmth.  



9 comments:

  1. Oooohh! Really superbe!!
    Why don't I get opportunities like this?!!! :(
    Truly wonderful pictures, Rid!
    Cheers!

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  2. crackin stuff Rid, hope that you had a good Easter

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    Replies
    1. Cheers Sparky, I did but too much of the kids chocolate mate!

      Delete
  3. Every one a winner! Amazing stuff!

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  4. The in-flight image is a corker Paul - very well done indeed. The pair in the second shot look ANGRY! Superb expressions on their faces.

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