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!!!

Sunday, 9 November 2014

Peas in a pod.


I was up and out early this morning, accompanied by a banging hangover that was a result of the previous nights alcohol abuse. Needless to say I deserved to be feeling awful, one can't expect to down a dozen cans of beer without paying the consequences. I obviously didn't feel much like walking anywhere, in fact what I needed was some easy birding that could be done from the car, and I knew just the place!

 After a steady drive I was soon at the new Barn Owl site that has featured in my recent posts. It was only just getting light and with the heavy fog that cloaked the area meant viewing wasn't too good. For the first time I saw three owls huddled together like peas in a pod at the nest entrance, the resultant image is definitely in the "record shot" category as it was taken with high ISO and has also been heavily cropped. 

Three young Barn Owls from the second brood.
Whilst at the site, Craig (the guy who informed of these owls) came driving along and parked up behind me. As we watched the owls he told me that he had managed (and showed me) an image with five Barn Owls together taken at this location, but that was back in July/August?  This could only mean that the young birds we were viewing were from the second brood this year, so as it turns out this has been a pretty productive site with at least 8 fledged birds to add to the ever expanding local population, I guess that means I'd better get making and erecting some more boxes asap!

 Catch up soon.........
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6 comments:

  1. colin9 November 2014 at 20:22

    Nice record image mate, I think the Barn Owl population as greatly improved in Leicestershire this year!!!!

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    1. Paul Riddle10 November 2014 at 19:51

      Oh for sure Col and I'd like to think that we may have had an influence some where along the way......;

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  2. Douglas Mcfarlane10 November 2014 at 10:28

    Again I'm chuckling, this time the way all three are stood peering out of the tree, I think they're waiting for you to get some boxes erected:-)

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    1. Paul Riddle10 November 2014 at 19:50

      I am on the case Doug, Col and I are starting the next load of box making tomorrow night.

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  3. Richard Pegler10 November 2014 at 19:21

    It might be a record shot, Paul, but what a great record it is! Next time, ask the one at the back to stand up straight!

    On the breeding matter, that's really excellent news. Let's hope that it's an indicator of what's going on generally out there with the Barn Owls. I've been a bit despondent about the Little Owls this year. On most of my sites it's been a bad breeding year, and with too many adult birds disappearing during the season.

    Best wishes - - - Richard

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  4. Paul Riddle10 November 2014 at 19:49

    Buzzards Richard!!!!

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