Bubo bubo

Today's the day ....................... for a bit of controversy

This is Oscar the eagle owl who was posing for the cameras at Bowness on Windermere today.

Officially, eagle owls are not native to this country although there may now be a breeding population of as many as 40 pairs in the UK - including one pair in the Forest of Bowland. The World Owl Trust and some birdwatchers argue that they should be encouraged here, just as they are in places like Sweden where captive-bred birds have been released into the wild. The RSPB however takes a much more cautious view which might be influenced by the belief that eagle owls can prey on other birds - like the hen harrier which they are trying to protect.

I put on the padded glove and was allowed to hold Oscar for a minute or two. All I can tell you is that when you're up close and personal with an eagle owl, it's quite an awe-inspiring experience - specially when you are inches away from those orange eyes ................