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12 October 2014 Owl prowl

A wander in Wells Woods today, before and after a family trip to the beach. 'Nothing special' weather conditions - and nothing special migrant-wise. Four each of Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Brambling. A few Song Thrushes and (probably migrant) Blackbirds. I bumped into Steve and Sue Gantlett, who had heard a Yellow-browed and seen a wacky albino passerine to which none of us could put a name! On the way back to the car park, I spotted a Tawny Owl sitting on a fencepost, out in the open. As this was, I think, my first daytime bird since one at Prawle Point in October 1996, I was quite excited as I approached. Enthusiasm rapidly changed to sympathy, however, as soon as I worked out that this was a very sick bird indeed. The drool does not bode well.