Little Owl
Little Owl / athene noctua. 15/08/19.
I spent many hours with this bird yesterday, initially watching it sleep high in a tree, it's branch constantly buffeted by the wind. I have to say I was surprised how long it endured these conditions when there were so many stable, sheltered places to roost down below.
Just after midday the sun strengthened and in response, the LO flew down and perched on various cemetery monuments to continue napping and preening routines. Here it is perched on an overgrown grave using a stone flower urn to elevate it slightly from the ground. It had suddenly snapped it's eyes open in response to a sound nearby. Whatever it was failed to hold it's attention and it was soon fast asleep again.
BEST VIEWED LARGE.
Little Owl
Little Owl / athene noctua. 15/08/19.
I spent many hours with this bird yesterday, initially watching it sleep high in a tree, it's branch constantly buffeted by the wind. I have to say I was surprised how long it endured these conditions when there were so many stable, sheltered places to roost down below.
Just after midday the sun strengthened and in response, the LO flew down and perched on various cemetery monuments to continue napping and preening routines. Here it is perched on an overgrown grave using a stone flower urn to elevate it slightly from the ground. It had suddenly snapped it's eyes open in response to a sound nearby. Whatever it was failed to hold it's attention and it was soon fast asleep again.
BEST VIEWED LARGE.