Barn Owl Tyto alba - After The Storm
Following a few days of continuous very stormy weather with gusty winds exceeding 40mph night and day and heavy showers saturating the ground I was concerned about feeding opportunities for this lovely Barn Owl which had been hunting over the rough grassland beyond my garden. Its incredibly acute ears, assisted by the snow white feathered heart shaped facial disc are hampered by the noise of strong wind. Further, without the waterproof protection afforded the feathers of other birds such conditions can prove critical for the Barn Owl.
But then, after the storm, I caught sight of it as dawn was breaking, flying low with what looks like a vole plucked from its nesting spot, grasses trailing, cluthched tightly in its talons.
I took this photo in low light but it does show a pleasing outcome for the owl.
Thank you all for your kind responses.
Barn Owl Tyto alba - After The Storm
Following a few days of continuous very stormy weather with gusty winds exceeding 40mph night and day and heavy showers saturating the ground I was concerned about feeding opportunities for this lovely Barn Owl which had been hunting over the rough grassland beyond my garden. Its incredibly acute ears, assisted by the snow white feathered heart shaped facial disc are hampered by the noise of strong wind. Further, without the waterproof protection afforded the feathers of other birds such conditions can prove critical for the Barn Owl.
But then, after the storm, I caught sight of it as dawn was breaking, flying low with what looks like a vole plucked from its nesting spot, grasses trailing, cluthched tightly in its talons.
I took this photo in low light but it does show a pleasing outcome for the owl.
Thank you all for your kind responses.