Grey and Great!

Extremely windy day but gloriously sunny - and after I had finally done the paperwork and duly managed pay off HM Revenue & Customs with all office work finished I did feel soooo not guilty for nipping out for a few bird shots.

Heading for the Welsh border with Tilly on the seat as she had snuck in and wouldn't budge with any amount of cajoling, I headed for as it turned out, a very lovely little farm and owl sanctuary.

This is a Great Grey Owl which in the wild can be quite ferocious and defend it's nest against brown bears and humans if attacked or threatened. He has shockingly awesome talons and the large discs known as 'ruffs' on his head make it easy for him to hear prey about 18 inches under the snow and also in the dim light. These discs are the largest of any raptor. Despite it's large appearance this is a very light owl underneath all the feathers. It nests in coniferous forests and usually lays about 4 eggs. In California it is listed as endangered.

What better way to spend a windy afternoon.

Owls well that ends well then:))