I was soaked from un-forecast rain showers when I reached the bus stop outside Cosmeston Lakes Country Park and just hoping a bus would come quickly so I could get home and into dry clothes. But, when I got there, two of my birding acquaintances were also awaiting a bus and told me, excitedly, that they had just been watching a fledgling Tawny owl sitting low down in a tree close to the car park.Although I’ve seen the occasional adult Tawny and sometimes hear them calling at night in the woodland adjacent to my building, I hadn’t seen one for a couple of years and had never seen a fledgling. So, understandably, it only took me a moment to decide that I simply had to go for a look, soaked or not.As it was still raining, I didn’t want to damage my camera so only managed to get a few quick photos, and I also didn’t want to disturb the bird, though I’m sure one, or both of its parents were perched nearby, well hidden amongst the foliage, keeping a close eye on their offspring. What a special sight this was – a bundle of fluff, perched on a branch, looking sleepy and making the occasional low chirruping sounds.

p.s. I wrote this post last week. In the interim, this little fledgling has become something of a local celebrity, and it’s been really heartwarming to see how delighted people have been at seeing it. It’s also been good to see how respectful and protective of the bird the visitors have been. Of course, I have since revisited the site as well, and managed to shoot this short video clip of the fledgling. Enjoy!