The Common Buzzard Observed Then Flew Away.

Showing Paul the grounds at Holkham Hall, where the Earl of Leicester lives was something to behold. The grounds were magnificent and there was a big herd of deer grazing on the park land. We saw a Common Buzzard fly over us and the raptor knew we were observing it. It circled and then flew off towards a line of trees.

We also saw a barn owl swoop down across the lake. As my son, Paul comes from the southern outskirts of London, he was rather taken by the open space and the grand stately home of Holkham Hall.

As we turned and began to walk across the parkland back towards the main gates, a Barn Owl flew over the lake. It was so quick that most of the shots were not too good. However, one was enough.

Next came the deer herd and Paul began to film on his mobile phone. I think it was for his daughter Leah. She is at school and was unable to come up to the Fenland on this occasion.

The Buzzard Above Our House.

There was actually two buzzards circling each other when Carole called to me. I came out with the camera and began trying to use the zoom lens as they drifted away. At first I thought the lower one had something in its beak? However as I studied the photos, the raptor's wing feathers look damaged. Perhaps it had been in a fight of some sort. 

Some of the creature's flight feathers appear to be missing. I think the pair are nesting by some trees across the Fen, close to the river. 

New Ducks, Chickens, and a visit from Ryan and Graham

 

 

Little Owls in Britain

Little Owls are not native to Britain. They were introduced in 1842, by a man named Thomas Powys. Since this time the Little Owl has become naturalised. They are wonderful little creatures, but the temptation to cuddle or stroke one is a big no, no. Owls don't usually like being cuddled or stroked - even the ones tamed to human keepers or falcon trainers.

 

They are at their best in the wild though some reside in rescue centres and get to be flown. Tame ones need to be flown because there is a weight balance that they must fit into. This weight is easily maintained in the wild when hunting for food. In captivity they can become over weight very quickly if not exercised. They are high maintenance creatures and don't make the best pets. The wild is always better for them.