I have not been feeling well all this week, I have picked up a bug that has caused my longtime cough to reappear. Therefore I have not been out and about, but the one photo I did take this week was more than enough to keep me going bird-wise.
I was in the bathroom cleaning my teeth when I glanced out of the window to see a bird in the Acer tree behind the cherry tree. I was not sure what it was at a distance, but it was enough for me to throw down the toothbrush and race through the house for my camera. I zoomed in through the window, and although quite far, and another tree in front, I managed to get a couple of shots that were fairly respectable. Little Owl (Athene noctua)....
I carefully tried to open the door to see if I could get a direct shot, but no, as soon as I moved the door handle it was gone.
Last, but not least, this Bank Vole (Myodes glareolus) was stealing some of the bird seed, do you think this is what the Little Owl had its eye on or is it a bit big? ID thanks to Susan.
Linking up to
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It's hard to say whether the owl was eyeing the vole as I can't see how big it might be and I've never seen one. Either way it made for some great shots of the owl. Happy weekend, Diane.
ReplyDeleteThe vole is not that big, but neither is the Little Owl. Maybe some professionals will come up with an answer for us in further comments. Thanks for the visit Penny. Take care Diane
DeleteI fear the vole made the lunch menu!
ReplyDeleteI am really not sure they are both quite small creatures, as I said to Penny above, maybe someone with a lot more knowledge than I have will come up with some answers. Have a good Sunday Diane
DeleteLooks to me like the owl had his eye on a little vole snack. Certainly worth grabbing your camera. Nice shots!
ReplyDeleteThanks Betty, I was quite pleased with the shot as it was through the window and quite far. Have a good week, Diane
DeleteI'd take a wild guess, that owl was there for breakfast. I'm sure glad you looked out the window when you did. Excellent photos.
ReplyDeleteFor all your sharing, I and we at I'd Rather B Birdin' send our thanks!!
Thanks Anni it is always a pleasure to visit you and share my site as well. Happy week Diane
DeleteThat owl is just the cutest one I've ever seen. Maybe he'll be back! Beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteThanks very much. We hear them often but seldom do I get to ever see them so this was a delight. Cheers Diane
Delete"The Little Owl typically hunts worms, beetles, moths, small mammals and birds. Their diet varies throughout the year. Little Owls have fantastic eyesight and are able to hunt in the day and at night. They catch prey by stooping on it from a perch or running after it on the ground."
ReplyDeleteHi Diane. From the above, I'm sure you are correct.
I saw the Bank Vole again this week, but of course I do not know how big the family is/was!! Have a great weekend, Diane
DeleteThat's a nice garden bird - although I am not sure the vole would agree!
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Brilliant garden bird and I was thrilled to see it. The vole still around, or at least one is, not sure how big the family is/was!! Cheers Diane
DeleteThe sight of that “little Owl” from your very own window must have made you feel better , at least for a few minutes! And I hope you are getting completely better now. I bet the Owl was looking at the vole or maybe it wasn’t hungry at the moment! We have colonies of burrowing owls near us that look quite a bit like yours. I hope to get some pictures this month.
ReplyDeleteIt cheered me up no end and the little vole is still around I am delighted to say. Looking forward to your photos, Have a good day Diane
DeleteI'm so glad that I found this post too, Diane! It is two months since I last saw a Little Owl, and I found your photos most heartwarming - thank you!
ReplyDeleteVery sorry to hear that you and Nigel have both been unwell. I'm wondering if it was the same virus as hit me? I hope you are recovered now.
My very best wishes to you both - - - Richard
Hi Richard, probably the same virus, it lasted a good two weeks and Nigel had almost continuous headaches which thankfully bypassed me. Instead it has left me with a cough!!!! I was so thrilled to see the Little Owl in the garden and it even waited for me to get the camera 😊🦉. I hope that you are also feeling much better now. Take care Diane
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