It has been absolutely ages since I had the pleasure of having a good session watching a Barn Owl, in fact I think the last one was in Norfolk at the end of 2012. So to have witnessed one this evening out hunting in Leicestershire and in good light too was a real bonus!
Most of the time it stayed distant, circa a 100 yards or so but on the odd occasion it did fly a little nearer and on two occasions it actually landed on a post that was quite close by.
Myself and the local landowner watched from a crouched position next to my car as it hunted his field for a good 30 minutes. In this time we saw it make five dives into the long grass and on three occasions it came up successfully with a vole, not a bad ratio at all!
In between each successful catch it would disappear out of sight, no doubt to take its bounty back to the brood of chicks that were waiting in its nearby nest box.
At times the setting sun broke through the clouds which then threw a beautiful golden hue onto the owl and surrounding area.
Who needs to go all the way to Norfolk to witness such a marvelous display of hunting agility, all this and only a 5 minute drive from home!!
Catch up soon, thanks for stopping by!!!
Myself and the local landowner watched from a crouched position next to my car as it hunted his field for a good 30 minutes. In this time we saw it make five dives into the long grass and on three occasions it came up successfully with a vole, not a bad ratio at all!
In between each successful catch it would disappear out of sight, no doubt to take its bounty back to the brood of chicks that were waiting in its nearby nest box.
At times the setting sun broke through the clouds which then threw a beautiful golden hue onto the owl and surrounding area.
Who needs to go all the way to Norfolk to witness such a marvelous display of hunting agility, all this and only a 5 minute drive from home!!
Catch up soon, thanks for stopping by!!!
Really magnificent pictures. Beautiful owls.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to stop by and comment Russ.
DeleteThat was a really magical encounter, Paul. Superbly captured!!
ReplyDeleteCheers Richard.
DeleteYou're right who needs to go to Norfolk when you have this beauty on your doorstep. I love the shape of it's wings as it lands on the post plus the colours a stunning looking bird. Though my favourite is it carrying it's prey. Great images Paul.
ReplyDeleteHave been after an owl carrying a prey item for nearly 8 years Doug, I was pleased with that particular image although a very crop!
DeleteYou're right who needs to go to Norfolk when you have this beauty on your doorstep. I love the shape of it's wings as it lands on the post plus the colours a stunning looking bird. Though my favourite is it carrying it's prey. Great images Paul.
ReplyDeleteThese are really special pics Paul, great work.
ReplyDelete