It's a hoot (but no vomiting!)

I'm pleased to report an increase in tawny owl activity, though not yet in the owl box for rent. Whilst shaking out the dog beds, filling up the bird bath and topping up the bird feeders in the dark this morning, I heard a distinct hoot, followed by a shy toot. Ah, two tawny's, I thought to myself and rushed inside to download the tawny sounds. Yes, I was right, but my self-appreciation was short-lived as the big big dog ran inside after me and, thinking I was being attacked by the devil, began vomiting all over the kitchen floor. And all this, before 6.30am!

If you want to hear the owl sounds without the vomiting, click here.

Tawny owl, photo credit

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Can this be seen from outer space?

Remember when I said I made a list of Christmas gifts I'd like? Well, never mind. I did. And it included an owl box. This part of Surrey is home to tawny owls and I WANT ONE in my garden. Somehow, the instruction got a bit muddled and the largest ever owl box arrived!

 

Its a fantastic piece of workmanship, hand-made in Gloucestershire. It took two burly men to get it into the oak tree, using a system of pulleys and quite a bit of huffing and puffing.

The dogs and I were kept well away from the action, not even asked to be a pulley weasel. As in van weasel, loft weasel... Oh, never mind. Contact me if you don't know what I mean.

But, all's well that ends well. I am so happy with the box in the tree. I can't wait for a curious tawny owl to come and have a look. I hope it doesn't take too long.

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