Owls

The highlight of a relatively quiet birthday was a visit to the Nene Washes with Chris to see the Short-eared Owls. As we arrived we spotted a gaggle of birdwatchers on the bank, and one generously showed us two of these charismatic birds roosting in the middle of a dense Hawthorn hedge. It was impossible to get completely clear views but I managed to get several passable shots, by dint of crouching and kneeling, which causes a worrying amount of clicking in my hips! We were then able to show the owls to several more photographers, including an elderly gentleman who was finding it hard to spot them - he was so delighted when he finally saw them!

We then spent some time standing on the bank watching the open wash-land, which is still completely dry this year. In the end we saw four additional Short-eared Owls hunting, although they remained very distant. At one point there was an exciting altercation between an owl and a Marsh Harrier.  Other birds of note included a pair of Snipe and distant flocks of Golden Plover and Lapwing. The local Barn Owl also turned up, hunting over a rough grass field behind the Nene Washes, and then landing on a rather dilapidated barn roof, which may be its home (see extras).

In the evening I was treated to a tasty meal of Thai  red curry with tofu, lime rice and a Vietnamese chicken salad cooked by Alex, CJ and Pete. It was light and delicious - a perfect antidote to all the rich Christmas food. We're planning to have a proper birthday celebration on Saturday evening when we'll cook the large leg of conservation lamb I acquired in late autumn.