Little Owl (Athene noctua) - a photo on Flickriver

            RECORD SHOT SO PLEASE FORGIVE THE POOR QUALITY.

I thought it worth posting because it's not often witnessed.

I hadn't checked on the Little Owls that breed in the oak tree next to my chicken run for some time.

Last year, the first egg was laid on April 1st so I decided to watch from my shed and maybe get a few shots. I was hoping they would put in an appearance while it was light enough not to need flash.

Unfortunately, the light had almost gone before the female showed. She landed on this post on the corner of the horse paddock which is 35 metres away. Normally she would fly straight in to a perch in front of my shed for a few meal worms.

Last night however, she remained there preening for about 15 minutes. The light had all but gone and being too far away for a shot, I switched off the camera. 

Suddenly, the male dropped out of the tree and mounted her. The mating lasted for a few seconds. I switched on the camera and held the button down. This shot is the best of a bad bunch.

He then flew in and scoffed the meal worms before flying off into the night - leaving her on the fence post.

AND THEY SAY ROMANCE IS DEAD !!!

For the tech nerds: 1/40th sec. f5  500mm  iso 10,000

Taken on: April 1, 2018

Tags:

Little Owl

Athene noctua

mating « less

Sets appears in: • 2018 Favourites • My explored images more » • Little Owl (Athene noctua) « less

Groups appears in: • Owls • BBC Springwatch (Official) more » • in explore • 6,000 Views Unlimited 6000 • Birds in action birds birds birds! • Owls (Wild Only) • Birds of Prey / Raptors / Owls • Wild Animals in Nature « less

Stats: 104,518 views / 77 comments

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