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!!!

Thursday 28 March 2013

New Little Owl site No 228....

Oh the past few days has just been unbelievable when it comes to Barn Owl sightings, I have been out every evening this past week and without exception there is a story to be told from every excursion? Adding to this the jungle drums have been beating very loudly, I have had no fewer than 9 emails, text messages and phone calls regarding local barn Owl sightings. And all but one could be a potential new site? Tomorrow (Friday) I will be making the most of the day off work and will be out investigating them all.
 
In the meantime I need to tell you about two new Little Owl sites that I have located this week, sites No 228 and 229.
 
Site No 228 was a real opportunist find, driving past an old barn and an adjacent pile of hay bales it looked really owly, my initial instinct paid dividends when a pair were located that showed really well. I had to sit in the car for an age before they came close enough for an image, but I was rewarded with some fine views and some very saucy activities!
 
The light was in totally the wrong direction for good photography, but I had to make do with what I was presented with and made the most of it. 
 




Little Owls mating, a very rare encounter indeed!
Finding site No 228 was very pleasing indeed, but within half an hour another new site was located, No 229.  I will do another post and publish some images from this latest location very shortly................

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