Owl Box Refurbishment

I thought I should clear out the owl boxes before the spring, after discovering last years residents were hornets or possibly just common wasps, I'm still not totally sure. Not that I really object to them using the boxes but it would be great to see if an owl would nest in one at least. It's possible it's a hornets nest as they are common in the south and prefer wooded habitats. I should have taken a photo of them when I discovered them initially a few months ago but I was somewhat surprised to find them and being up a ladder it was not really my top priority to stop to take snaps!

Apparently they are docile creatures despite their reputation but might become aggressive if you disturb their nests and have a nasty sting. Hornets are brown and yellow rather than the black/yellow wasps that can be annoying in the garden in summer. Particularly pub gardens!

Buzzzzz

I thought it was time I had a look at the two owl boxes, that put up last winter, to see if there was any evidence of residents.  Here's a photo of the more elaborate version with a perch. There was definitely sign of occupancy but not what I had hoped for.

Twit Twoo

One of the most majestic creatures in a woodland must be the owl. It'a got the lot. Cute fluffy chicks, a stealthy killer and swivelling head to keep it's oh so good eyes trained on it's next victim. Good hearing apparently too despite not having much visible in the way of ear lugs like us humans. It's hard not to admire any top predator. Unless you happen to be fluffy and snack sized.