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.