As the evenings grow steadily darker I tend to see more wildlife in the half light at the end of the day. We were returning from a family dinner when we spotted a “lump” on one of the telephone wires just up from our house. We were obligated to go and have a closer look – failing to investigate a lump on the wires outside your house is a civil crime in my opinion.
Our original identification of the lump as a possum was soon shown to be way of the mark. This is a Tawny Frogmouth. Often mistaken for owls they are in fact related to Nightjars. I tend to see them most often on or near street lights where they hunt for the moths the false electric moons attract.
The have huge mouths – and when they are fully open they look more like a flip top bin than a bird.
Finding one is always a highlight.
You can find more birds from around the world at World Bird Wednesday.
You can find the latest post to my other blog by clicking on the Paying Ready Attention image on the RHS of the screen.
Enjoy the birds.
how awesome! great job, stewart!
ReplyDeleteHow cute is that! Glad you investigated the 'lump'...and added your lovely pictures to my virtual life list (;>)!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome find! Great shots!
ReplyDeleteThis bird has such a funny name, I always thought...
ReplyDeleteNice captures, Stewart.
Wow, great sighting! They are cool birds. It is awesome you were able to get photos too. Congrats, Stewart!
ReplyDeleteWow, if that's not an owl, it's the best imitation of an owl I've ever seen! Very cool!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos - I love Frogmouths! I had a chuckle at your description of a "flip top bin"!
ReplyDeleteHow smart you were to investigate! It certainly paid off! What a cutie!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful picture of an owl you show.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a good day.
Hanne Bente / hbt.finus.dk
Thank -you for visiting my blog and your comments. Can't believe that is not an owl. Thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that they are so happy in a suburban environment. Once upon a time I had a pair in our garden but that was before the major conflagration.
ReplyDeleteFantastic shots Stewart!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteFantastic captures!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing bird!
ReplyDeleteOh Stewart, what a great find and so glad that your images shares turned out so very well~
ReplyDeleterealy great photos,not many in the uk no doubt.
ReplyDeletePeter
Great to sight, and capture, the Tawny Frogmouth, near your home-base Stewart
ReplyDeleteTawny Frogmouths are beautiful. Great shots.
ReplyDeleteI too thought it was owl! Great finding this bird. I too have wires outside my house.
ReplyDelete