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 20 June 2013

Tawny owls.....again.

For two consecutive evenings this week I have re-visited my new Tawny Owl site that I first discovered a week or so ago. During this weeks visits both the adults and the fledged juveniles were seen but I think they are now wising up to me as they are keeping their distance. Even though they are about 100 feet away the youngsters are still easily recognisable from the adults as they are still covered in fluffy down on the chest and back of the head.
Around 9.30pm the first juvenile appeared on the outer branches of the tree and started to hiss,  it was obviously hungry as it begged the parents for food. 


It then dropped down and perched up on a wooden rail that backed onto an old stable. There it stayed continually begging for food until it got too dark and I couldn't see it any longer.


On the second evening the proceedings were almost identical  to that of the first, the juvenile appeared from out of the depths of the wooded area, hissed for a few minutes and then dropped down onto the wooden rail, only this time it was joined by one of its siblings. I can only assume that the juveniles sit on this rail and during the hours of darkness and the parent owls bring food to them?  


I also had a rare and very brief encounter with one of the adult owls. It landed on a nearby post and had a look at me for a few seconds before flying off into the darkness.


Brilliant birds to watch, even if it is only for a around 30 minutes each evening. I will undoubtedly be stopping off again to watch them, I am hoping to witness the juveniles being fed and if I am very lucky and the light levels hold out maybe I'll be able to capture some of the action?

6 comments:

  1. I'm looking forward to the moment the adults start to chase the juveniles away, if it happens in half decent light you might get some flight shots. Judging from the juveniles it won't be long now

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    1. I will keep stopping by Doug and hopefully I will see that taking place, and ya never know a few images too!

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  2. I bet you could sit and watch these for hours, Paul, given half the chance!! I'm very envious!
    Super images!

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    1. Yes I would sit and watch them for longer Richard, that is if I could see in the dark!

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  3. CARABOS!!!.. Fantastic bird.. Love it!!!. Congrats..

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    1. Well I don't know what Carabos means Ana but I am sure you are being nice, thanks for your comment......I think?

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