Best Bird In The Universe

This weekend was taken up with various social comittments,but did have some birding highlights.

The first easily accessible Hawk Owl in the city limits popped up close to where we had to be on Saturday, so we made a predictable stop. A typical time of year for these birds to start turning up, as the long nights, which are dark and full of terrors, draw in, they make a welcome treat for the shortening days.

An incredibly confiding individual, this bird was sat in the middle of an apartment complex, happily hunting mice in between the various twitchers. Hopefully it stays faithful to the area, making it a convenient stop off over the winter.

Hawk Owl remains and will always remain the best bird in the universe. Magical creature. Pretty decent individual for Lyra's first owl.


 


 

 


This bird was hunting pretty successfully, engaging in the typical behaviour of stashing a catch for later consumption.

 


An absolutely pristine fresh bird with virtually no wear.


 

 

 

Stunning.Just look at that.
 

I adore that crown spotting. 


On Sunday I nipped out to a nearby flock of Smew. Some forty birds were present in among some 100 Goosander. I spent a lot of time enjoying these birds, including some first winter males, a plumage you don't get to enjoy so often.


  
Smew. A bit distant, but always brilliant birds.




This Mealy Redpoll, present in the garden, was the best of the rest, along with the usual Grey Headed and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers.

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