Wednesday 1 December 2010

Tawny Owl

One of the wonderful things about being a volunteer patroller along the Water of Leith is that I get to know the wildlife of my part of the river really well. For example, there is a tawny owl roost that I look at every time I go past in the hopes of seeing the owl. I had only ever seen the owl once before Monday when it stood at the front of its roost and watched while we caught it on camera. A beautiful and very well camoflaged bird I think you'll agree!


snow on the ground -
the tawny owl watches
from his roost.

Click on the image to make it bigger.
As ever all the red text links to pages where you can find out more! 

18 comments:

The Weaver of Grass said...

Perfect camouflage Juliet. I worry about the owls in this terrible weather - they are just beginning to do well up here - I hope this spell of weather doesn't prove a set back.

Sandy's witterings said...

Grief! That's well spotted. I had a bit of trouble finding it in the picture knowing it was there.

Dr. Cheryl Carvajal said...

Wow, what a beautiful bird!

How lovely that you have snow, too. And frost.

Right now I have rain... and will until I move to Georgia. Then I'll just have sun, and it won't really feel like winter, either.

Thank you for the picture.

Owl Who Laughs said...

I like owls! And this one is very very fine. This is a wonderful example of an animal blending in with nature, not just in a superficial way, but along many dimensions of its being.

The physical camoflauge is part of a larger reality involving the owl's soul.

What respect for the tree. If only humans cooperated with nature this way, and drew as much inspiration, magic and beauty from it.

Thanks for this!

bunnits said...

Beautiful photo of a beautiful creature. Owls are amazing.

We are hearing a good bit on the Weather Channel about the weather you are having there. Your photos make it so much more real. Stay warm!

Nia said...

Gorgeous picture! Just like one of those children's books where you had to look for camouflaged characters, remember?

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Oh, this is the most wonderful photograph. Pure magic for someone like me who adores owls with a passion. I think I've found my new screensaver!

Carver said...

That is a great camouflage and I'm amazed you spotted it. I know there has been an owl living near me but the closest I've gotten to it is spotting it's dung on a ledge in my garden. I've also heard it at night.

Unknown said...

I am so jealous. I have never seen an owl in the wild. Probably just don't know what to look for. Great shot.

Anonymous said...

Owls would have to be one of my favourite birds - he just disappears into that tree - must be a bit suspicious of the snow given it might out him - like your haiku :)

Anonymous said...

You were very lucky to post the owl. I wonder just how many I have walked past?

origa-me said...

Hi, I found you through Dosanko Debbie's blog.
Lovely photos. I am in Australia and last week I found a baby Tawny Frogmouth perched on my window ledge, luckily the parents rescued him that night...happy ending. They have the most amazing gape.
Cheers

Anonymous said...

Thats some serious camouflage!

Gillena Cox said...

awesome

much love
gillena

Caroline Gill said...

You must be thrilled with this - the whole experience, Juliet, and the keepsake photo. Wonderful!

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

How incredible! We use to have them around my house, until the houses came and the forest left. I loved to hear them in the night. I was also grateful my bunnies lived inside. ;)
xx, shell

Tammie Lee said...

such a gift to see, I would look every time as well. Lovely poem as well.

James said...

I've only ever seen one owl roosting before. Such a treat. Thanks for sharing this one.