Barn Owl

 

A walk on the downs north of the Burgh had not proved to be very rewarding. A small flock of Yellowhammers, lots of Chaffinches, the rear ends of a few Grey Partridges and some distant Red Kites and Buzzards. Poor return for the distance covered but on approaching the dew pond, on the return leg, a Short-eared Owl perched in a distant tree did at least offer picture opportunities.

Short-eared Owl

Distant it was and distant it stayed, quartering the field but not really coming any closer. Fortunately the photographic session was rescued by a much more obliging Barn Owl that appeared on the scene.

Barn Owl

The owl made a number of passes hunting along the hedge lines and the edges of the set asides. Barn Owls are said to have poor eyesight but on daylight hunts they always seem to favour the sun coming over their shoulder, so perhaps using sight to supplement their usual location of prey by sound. 

Whatever the reason I usually end up with about ninety percent of the photographs with burnt out wings and bodies and with faces in deep shadow. Fortunately this one stayed around long enough for me to get a few reasonable shots.

The picture above had to be included. The owl got the pose just right but the picture does not quite make the grade. The eye and claws are sharp but the wings are blurred on the top edges and the picture will not stand much enlargement.

It is also amazing to see how small the owls body is in comparison to its head and legs, although I guess the head, as seen here, is mostly made up of feathers.

Barn Owls are the most widespread species of owl in the world. Twenty to thirty subspecies are recognised by the various authorities, with the one found in Western Europe being Tyto alba. Strange then, that the owl is recognised as being a nocturnal feeder in Europe but is regularly seen feeding during daylight hours in the UK. 

Whatever the reason for its daytime appearances, it is a welcome sight and a great bird to photograph.