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.
Hi Phil...Good heaven what is with all these people, and accidents...especially when they interfere with your life and daily routine !! ; }
ReplyDeleteYour 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
GORGEOUS GORGEOUS GORGEOUS bird and wonderful shots!!!
ReplyDeleteOh my- what a beautiful bird. I never see these up close- great captures!
ReplyDeleteOwls are such gorgeous creatures! Outstanding post.
ReplyDeleteI'm so jealous. After three years of bird photography I've yet to get an owl. These are beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful little owl, and a great set of pictures here. Sorry to hear about the accident, sounds like a huge one.
ReplyDeleteyour owl shots are fantastic; I especially liked the 'looking up' profile
ReplyDeleteWow - amazing shots of the owl!
ReplyDeleteNo, 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...
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy Sunday and the coming week.
Stay safe Phil~
Wonderful shots of the little owl! I have yet to get a good photo of an owl and here you have so many!
ReplyDeletePhil, The accident and spill sounds awful. I always enjoy your owls. They are beautiful. Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed the photos.
ReplyDeleteLovely birds!
ReplyDeleteLate visiting from Camera Critters. Come and take at peek at my Bunnies when you get a chance. Have a great week ahead.
Hello Phil,
ReplyDeleteCatchy 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.
a brilliant set of expressions on this fabulous bird
ReplyDeleteA fantastic series... it's a beauty.
ReplyDeleteNo apologies required in the circumstances Phil. Super series of the Little Owl.
ReplyDeleteWonderful series!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post! Perfect for WBW!
ReplyDeleteVery nice. I do like the Little Owl. They don't usually hang around that long.
ReplyDeleteThe photos are super Phil!!! I especially like the one photo of the little owl preening. But its eyes...they are gorgeous birds.
ReplyDeleteWood Stork
Wonderful post Phil! I am smiling from ear to ear! These cousins to my precious Burrowing Owls are a beautiful sight! Great photographs!
ReplyDeleteVery lovely photos. What a beautiful owl.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteI 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