Not Such a Night Bird

I had to get out. Weeks of fixing websites were driving me crazy. Just a walk round the perimeter of Portishead would do. A walk, a lottery ticket and a lolly. I didn’t expect much else. It’s starting in on that quiet time of the year.

I didn’t get much until the Marina when I heard a rock pipit and finally located it. That’s the first local one for a couple of months and evidence that the species breeds here.

Round the corner a reed warbler was warbling and further on, into Portbury Wharf, several were actually visible. Feeding fledged youngsters seems to bring them out into the open. Then I latched on to a biggish white bird flapping away over the reeds. Little egret, I immediately thought.

Even the initial binocular view didn’t dissuade me of this until I discerned light brown patches. Nay, lad, it were a barn owl. In the middle of the afternoon. With prey. It flew a long way inland, slightly harassed by a gull on the way but not that bothered by it.

A year and a week since the last one and that also in full daylight. Youngsters are the reason here too. The time may be getting quiet but the birds are still busy.

Related posts:

1. Great Spotted Woodpecker, Portbury
2. A Winter Bird Wonderland
3. Port Marine between Showers