Saturday, July 7, 2012

No News Good Views

There was little chance of getting north this morning. Head Dyke Lane was still closed after Friday morning when a tanker carrying 20,000 litres of LPG turned over on the A588, destroying the carriageway in the process. I didn’t fancy the long detour over single track Union Lane where non-locals coming from the opposite direction seem not to understand the principle of “passing places”. 

I went local instead and spent a happy hour with a Little Owl at Staynall, so apologies for the lack of news, the blog is mainly pictures today. 

Little Owl

Little Owl - Watching you watching me

The owl spent a considerable amount of time watching the sky, perhaps for predators or a meal, with Kestrel and Buzzard about, but also nesting House Martins. Liitle Owls are known to raid the nests of both Swallows and House Martins.

Little Owl - Things are looking up

Little Owl - Way up

Little Owl - House Martins that way

Little Owl - House Martins that way

Little Owl - Preening

At one point a Tawny Owl called from a nearby wood, which made the Little Owl call for a minute or so. In the second picture below it's possible to see that the throat feathers are not dense, suggesting this bird is a juvenile of the year. Click on "xeno-canto" to hear the Little Owl.

Little Owl- calling

Liitle Owl - calling

Littlle Owl - "Had enough yet"? 

Tune in tomorrow for more Ringing, Birding or Photography on Another Bird Blog.

23 comments:

grammie g said...

Hi Phil...Good heaven what is with all these people, and accidents...especially when they interfere with your life and daily routine !! ; }
Your jay photos from yesterday are the best of have seen of those fellas!!
There color is great, most I have seen they are drab looking!
No need to apologies for the lack of news..less I have to read....oooop's did I say that ; }
Just kidding withya, that is a Maine word "withya" ; }!!
I did like your pictures of the Little Owl, and your interpretation for him!!
I'll be waiting for your ringing in the news!
Grace

TexWisGirl said...

GORGEOUS GORGEOUS GORGEOUS bird and wonderful shots!!!

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Oh my- what a beautiful bird. I never see these up close- great captures!

Misty DawnS said...

Owls are such gorgeous creatures! Outstanding post.

Gail Dixon said...

I'm so jealous. After three years of bird photography I've yet to get an owl. These are beautiful!!

DeniseinVA said...

What a beautiful little owl, and a great set of pictures here. Sorry to hear about the accident, sounds like a huge one.

Carole M. said...

your owl shots are fantastic; I especially liked the 'looking up' profile

Lady Fi said...

Wow - amazing shots of the owl!

Mary Howell Cromer said...

No, no, no NEVER enough of Little Owls, just adore them and your images are absolutely superb! They are naughty though for liking Swallows and Martins, shame on them anyway, anyhow...
I hope you enjoy Sunday and the coming week.
Stay safe Phil~

EG CameraGirl said...

Wonderful shots of the little owl! I have yet to get a good photo of an owl and here you have so many!

eileeninmd said...

Phil, The accident and spill sounds awful. I always enjoy your owls. They are beautiful. Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed the photos.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Lovely birds!

Late visiting from Camera Critters. Come and take at peek at my Bunnies when you get a chance. Have a great week ahead.

S K Ditta said...

Hello Phil,

Catchy title again. So I tuned in, and the views are indeed great. Thanks for including not only so many pictures, but also the sound clip of the Little Owl calling. It's pure music! This Little Owl looks really relaxed, and seems to want to have his pictures taken. Once again the pictures have come out very good, and the owl easily heads the list of favorite birds for the young and old.

Dave said...

a brilliant set of expressions on this fabulous bird

theconstantwalker said...

A fantastic series... it's a beauty.

FAB said...

No apologies required in the circumstances Phil. Super series of the Little Owl.

Unknown said...

Wonderful series!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

HansHB said...

Awesome post! Perfect for WBW!

Adam Jones said...

Very nice. I do like the Little Owl. They don't usually hang around that long.

Anni said...

The photos are super Phil!!! I especially like the one photo of the little owl preening. But its eyes...they are gorgeous birds.

Wood Stork

Larry said...

Wonderful post Phil! I am smiling from ear to ear! These cousins to my precious Burrowing Owls are a beautiful sight! Great photographs!

Kim said...

Very lovely photos. What a beautiful owl.

Stewart M said...

I know that these are not native to the UK, but I always enjoyed finding one that I never really cared! I saw one on my last days birding in Somerset! Oh, the memories!

I thought I’d let you know that I stepped into the void caused by Springmans decision to close down World Bird Wednesday by setting up Wild Bird Wednesday (!) on my photoblog at Paying Ready Attention – Photo Gallery.

Feel free to visit and link.

Stewart M - Australia

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