For a while now when I read the monthly LROS sightings Excel file there’s usually a reference to a Tawny Owl showing in it’s ‘usual tree’ near Billesdon Coplow. I contacted the most regular contributors of the news and got an email back with some excellent directions.
After quickly completing my WeBS count, Leigh had volunteered to help this morning (one Moorhen, four Black-headed Gull and three flyover Mute Swan, ice makes my job so much easier) we headed off to look for the Owl. The reports said it was best looked for late afternoon and that he hadn’t seen it in a morning.
Parking up we looked back and there was the Tawny Owl, in full view. I managed a few digiscoped shots but the light was quite murky and over that distance the Coolpix P5100 really isn’t up to the job… focussing is very hit and miss.
Tawny Owl
Leaving the Owl we headed off to Cropston Reservoir to look for the reported Smew from yesterday. Jim Graham was doing his WeBS count but hadn’t seen any Smew. Three stunning male Goldeneye did make us both wonder if yesterday’s ID was correct…
