Category: Animals

  • A flash of blue

  • Moorhen update

    Three juvenile moorhens have survived (so far) and are now settled in with the two parents on the island. They are all quite shy and skittery so we never see them that close up, but they seem quite happy where they are, safe on the island and with lots to eat.

    Here’s where they live.

  • IBB

    Important Badger Business.

  • Fish thief

    The heron’s managed to find a way in past the wire around the pond: limboing under it in a gap in the reeds. Beautiful bird but a menace to our fish.

    So we added two more strands of fishing line which seems to be working, at least for now.

    The scarecrow hasn’t been that effective though.

  • Empty nest

    The two barn owlets have dispersed and the nest box is now empty. A good opportunity to clean it out and service the cameras, all ready for new residents.

  • All grown up

    The two young owls are now flying well and hunting for themselves. This may well be the last time we see them before they disperse and find new homes.

  • Buzzard

    Category: ,

    Our resident buzzard caught close up on the wildlife camera.

  • Learning to fly

    A few stretching exercises then the two owlets start their night of flying lessons.

  • Bees are happy today

    And this is as close as I’m going to get to them in a T-shirt.

  • Hooty check-up time

    Seven weeks old and time for John from the Shropshire Barn Owl Group to come and weigh, measure, ring and undertake an expert assessment of our two owlets. One is male, the other female and both are good weights and healthy, though somewhat grumpy for being disturbed in the middle of their sleep.

    Thank you John!

  • First look at the world outside

    The owlets can now jump up and reach the entrance to the nest box to see the wide world for the first time. Not long before they get weighed and measured: more photos to come soon.

  • Five weeks old

    The two barn owlets are 35 days (five weeks) old and their proper feathers can be seen growing under the warm fluff and they’re developing the familiar heart-shaped face. In another two weeks we hope the owl expert to come and check them over, and we’ll have a chance to see them properly for the first time.