After lunch we headed for Leinz which is just east of Bareges. I had reliable information from Charles that this was my best shot at connecting with my LIFE BLACK WOODPECKER. t was another HOT one, way above average for the time of year (31c). Yes, we are in the mountains!? This obviously affected this Northern Europeans movements somewhat. The good news was I found the right spot but alas not the right bird. I DID see a Crested Tit though, which was a miracle under the circumstances.
It was now 4pm and we had to return to Luz as I had a very important date with Charles. He'd kindly said he'd show me the EAGLE OWL nest site despite only having limited time between appointments for his daughter. Many, many thanks pal. After connecting we made the short trip south along the gorge to the site. He gave me excellent directions to the correct area of the cliff. After he was sure I was looking in the right place he said his goodbyes and left me to scan.
Just before 6pm a large dark brown shape flew in from the left and landed...
What a moment...truly memorable...and quite exciting!!! Another "right up there" moment in my Birding life.
It got better as a youngster then emerged from the undergrowth...
Not an award winner but you should be able to make out the adult with prey and the youngster behind...just!.
The cliff was in deep shade but it was still 28c. I reckon the distance was around 400yds across the gorge. I texted Charles the good news and thanked him again. Within 10 minutes he was back! "I couldn't resist!" were his words. He obviously couldn't stop long but a she left for the second time he said he'd give me a shout if the adult was showing from further down the road. It was...
To see an adult and a youngster in broad daylight plus a food pass, was something very special indeed.
I'll be back...
HP LIFE 60
TRIP 49
Good Work!
ReplyDeleteI just about made dinner before it was given to the dog...
You forgot the Short Toed Eagle overhead - overhead in the loosest sense over in the distance...