Tuesday, April 16, 2013

As Promised - Owls

Wind a raging westerly wind making it difficult to bird, there's not much doing on the news front today. A quick look at Pilling revealed 6 Wheaters, 4 White Wagtail, 2 Whimbrel and a good number of Swallows on the move finally.

So here’s set of pictures of a Little Owl taken during the cold, frosty spell of early April. There were two birds, one of the pair keeping out of sight all the time I was taking pictures of its mate. 

Although Little Owls are partly diurnal a spell of hard weather can make it seem that they become more approachable. The real reason they are more noticeable is that cold weather makes their prey hard to find meaning that the owls have to spend more time out in the open looking for food. 

Little Owls take a wide variety of prey with small mammals such as mice, voles and shrews forming the significant proportion. Even small rabbits are not immune from attack. Small birds are frequently taken during the breeding season, as well as chicks of larger species. Earthworms, snails and slugs and even small fish are all taken, but insects are perhaps the dominant element. 

Like all birds, a Little Owl can insulate itself against cold air by puffing up its feathers and trapping layers of warm air.  They can also change their colour - depending upon how they are processed in Photoshop.

"Click the pics" for a slide show of the Little Owl.

Little Owl

 Little Owl

Little Owl

Little Owl

Little Owl

Little Owl

The owl was quite happy moving its viewing spot as I took pictures. The owl is not only looking for prey whilst keeping an eye on me, it is also on the lookout for other dangers to each side and above.  
 
Little Owl

 Little Owl

 Little Owl

"Look out! There's a jogger coming along the lane. If I'm quick she won't see me."

Little Owl

Little Owl

I'm linking this post to Stewart's Gallery in Australia   , Madge's Weekly Top Shot  or  Anni's Blog . I'll bet there's an owl or two there somewhere.

Come back to Another Bird Blog soon.

35 comments:

Gail Dixon said...

Beautiful shots of the little owl. Makes me all gushy inside. So cute!

HansHB said...

Excellent serie of photos!

Kenneth Cole Schneider said...

Beautiful owl show, right up to the exit after the final act! Excellent information as well!

Karen said...

Excellent shots of this little sweetie Phil!

Andrea @ From The Sol said...

Does "Little Owl" have a name? He looks like a Northern Pigmy Owl, but I can't see the characteristic eye spot on the neck ... hmmmm, now I am curious. Whatever, he is adorable and very alert and you have captured some wonderful pictures :)

Andrea @ From The Sol

Isidro Ortiz said...

Gran serie del Mochuelo.Un abrazo

EG CameraGirl said...

Tiny and very cute. Nice photos, too!

mick said...

Great photos of a magnificent little bird.

Carole M. said...

I hadn't considered the fact of the cold and the owl waiting longer for food sources, thanks for the learn something new every day. The obvious hadn't occurred to me before. Lovely photographs Phil, I especially liked the fourth one down when it was sitting on the green branch all puffed up

Hootin Anni said...

Awwwwwwww, your images are precious!! Such a cute face. And you were so luck to get so many great shots.

eileeninmd said...

Phil, I do enjoy your owl photos and post. The Little Owl is just adorable. So nice of them to pose so nicely for you too. Great shots. Happy Birding!

Carletta said...

These were well worth waiting for Phil. Excellent series of this little guy!

AFTERMATH said...

fabulous owl series! Great pics technically and really cute to boot

Choy Wai Mun said...

So adorable! I really enjoyed this post.

Rohrerbot said...

This owl is a real treat. I'm hoping to find some more soon:) Great shots!

Rohrerbot said...

This owl is a real treat. I'm hoping to find some more soon:) Great shots!

Stuart Price said...

Great Little Owl shots Phil.......

grammie g said...

Hey Phil...One I always covet when you post the Little Owl ; )!!
I imagine there are other owls posted but not from me (someday)and I didn't post WBW this week anyway : )
Grace

Mary Howell Cromer said...

Oh My Gracious Goodness, what a great series of Little Owl images. Absolutely splendid, each and every one of them. I just love those little ones so much and always enjoy when you share!!!

Russell Jenkins said...

Beautiful owls and really great portraits of them. They are so cute, as tall as they are wide. Would love to see one.

Neil said...

Great series.

Arija said...

Such a lovely sequence of shots ot this cute little owl that looks a bit cold and all puffed up.

CabinGirl said...

Beautiful series of photos on such a cute, but powerful, bird!

Wally Jones said...

Phil, sorry to hear that "global warming" isn't more, well, "warming" for you!
What a wonderful series on the Little Owl!
I hope their prey becomes abundant soon so they don't have to be up all day looking for dinner!

Stewart M said...

Great pictures - no owls on my blog, but I did see a Frogmouth last night - its a type of large nightjar, but many people think they are owls!

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

Jill Wellington said...

That is the cutest little owl!! I loved your story.

TexWisGirl said...

oh my gosh, they are the most adorable things ever!!! so darn CUTE!

carol l mckenna said...

Exquisite shots of beautiful owls ~ wonderful nature's treasures ~ ^_^

Unknown said...

That Little Owl is great. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Gemma Wiseman said...

Gorgeous little character! And that face is the cutest! Also love the textured pattern detail on the feathers!

amanda said...

Oh my goodness, do I love this Little Owl! Fantastic photography!

Unknown said...

Amazing series! I don't know what it is about owls, but they're so adorable. Have a great day!

Anni said...

I never tire of this post Phil. My M-i-L collected ceramic owls, so this post is quite sentimental in a way. They're so sweet.

Shey said...

Lovely shots! It's really trying to keep itself warm. It also looks like it's posing for you. Very nice.

Pia said...

Wow WOW! What a super cute sweet little owl!
And what a great job you have done with the photos. Awesome!

Liebe Grüße,
Pia

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