Friday 27 June 2008

The day started sunny and bright, but it clouded over by lunch time, and a few showers fell in the afternoon. There was little to note on the way in to work this morming, but at the college, it was noticeable that the SONGTHRUSH'S and MISTLE THRUSH'S were collecting small items of food, a second brood of young on its way, good news.
My afternoons walk around migrant alley, and the tree nursery was getting frustrating, their wasn't much bird action, and the only butterflies were meadow browns, but in good numbers. I was just going to call it a day, but my last ''clutching at straws'' stop, was to check the old shack in the tree nursery grounds, for an owl, never found one in 6 years............................when WOW!! A BARN OWL (88.117) flew out and landed in a nearby fir tree, just long enough to fire off a few pics, it only sat for a few secs, before flying off into the cover of an oak. What an excellent record, a patch first in fact (hence the purple font!) this brings the total species seen on my patch to 117, and the year list to 88. It such a mega feeling when you get a new species!
The only downside is the shack is going to be knocked down, the owners think its a liability, and someone will injure themselves. Sad muppets.


Blow are the shakey handed, over excited photo's of my first Barn Owl on my patch.







6 comments:

Josh Jenkins Shaw said...

WOW! Nice one with the Barn owl Warren! Does this mean they are breeding near by? I hope it pays you another patch visit soon!
Josh

Warren Baker said...

Thanks josh,
They do breed, not far away, I've always hoped one might drift my way, and now one has. i think it may stay around for as long as the shacks stays!

Adam said...

Well done Warren - wonder if it's one that's drifted down from Teston/Wateringbury? Hope it stays around.

Adam

Adam said...

Well done Warren - wonder if it's one that's drifted down from Teston/Wateringbury? Hope it stays around.

Adam

Mike said...

Nice one Warren, hope you can get more shots of such a stunning bird.

Steve said...

Brilliant! Really pleased for you Warren. You show such persistence! Great pics btw!