Barn Owl

[snake]

I have been watching our resident Barn Owl Hunting during the day for a few days now. This morning she was hunting across the meadow next the the farm buildings, swooped down and caught a prey item.
As she was sat on the ground with it, out of nowhere came a male kestrel which constantly harrassed her and stole her catch.
A sight I have never seen before, I never thought a Kestrel would get the better of an owl.
Unfortunately I did not have my camera set up and by the time I did it was all over.
She carried on hunting for a while then I was really lucky as she landed on a post next to my truck.
I do love watching nature at work.

[Ukwildlifeo]

Great photos as ever.

I think kestrel stealing barn owls food is well documented, though perhaps not that well known, in fact I've seen it referred to as a reason owls hunt at night!

Must have a an interesting sight

[nigel_b]

Great photos thanks! It very interesting to hear about the kestrel's behaviour too. Can I ask here what camera and lens you used for those please?

[Dutchess]

snake said:

>>>>I do love watching nature at work.<<<<

I love watching *you* at work snake! Or, at least, the results of your work

Beautiful shots, as ever. Thanks for sharing.

D.

[thebeard]

Beautiful shots as always! the first one almost looks like she's dissapointed/wondering where her dinner went.

[JeffH]

Originally Posted by Ukwildlifeo

.....I think kestrel stealing barn owls food is well documented.....

That's right - it's a fairly common occurrence. I've also seen a pair of Kestrels take over an Owl nestbox previously used by Barn Owls, with one of the Kestrels driving the Owls away each time they went near the box.

Having said that, I also know of a ruined building near here in the Fens in which Barn Owls nest in the chimney stack with Kestrels nesting concurrently on the rafters only a few metres away!

Jeff


PS. nice photos Snake

[Dutchess]

Originally Posted by thebeard

Beautiful shots as always! the first one almost looks like she's dissapointed/wondering where her dinner went.

Like she's shaking her head, saying to herself, "now what am I going to do?"

[Ollie]

Couple of lovely shots snake. Well done

[snake]

Thank you all for your comments.

nigel b,
The camera that I am using is the Sony a550 with the 70-400g lens, not sure on the camera but I love the lens to bits.

Dutchess,
You always say such lovely things, I am really pleased that you like my pictures.
I am lucky in many ways in as much as I have access to huge areas of marshland on my doorstep, also I no longer need to go to work and I now spend countless hours out on the marsh just watching, photographing and enjoying the wildlife.
Thank you very much.

[rossy]

cracking snaps again snake of my favourite owl. rossy