What a beautiful encounter

[beachcaster]

Hopefully i have offered you all a view of a visitor to a garden in Sea Caves. Appeared early in the morning and stayed for the day. I was able to walk to within 2 mtrs and still this magnificent creature did not flinch.The next morning it had flown, which was pleasing because I had wondered if it was
injured. I have even more detailed pictures which i will share if this attempt us successful.
Best regards Alan...........Here goes.

[cyprusmax47]

Perhaps escaped from the nearby Bird Park ? Beautiful pic.

Max

[panoscouse]

Anybody else think Robert De Niro?

You looking at me?

Great pic, thanks for sharing.

[bromerzz]

It is a Long Eared Owl.
The ears are not always held erect but in this picture they obviously are and the Orange Iris, facial disc and barred tail identify it quite easily.

[beachcaster]

I think I have got the hang of the attachment process but at 75% reduction I hope the quality is not lost.
here`s lookin at ya.
regards Alan

[Dominic]

Lovely!

[ApusApus]

Nice find! It's actually classed as a scarce breeding resident in Cyprus with some evidence of numbers boosted by passing migrants in spring & autumn. You should send your photos along with details of where you saw it to Jane Stylianou at BirdLife Cyprus, she is the Bird Recorder!


Shane

[Devil]

In French, it is called Le Grand Duc (the great duke) and your great photos show why. It looks just like an aristocrat looking down with a sniffy nose on the common herd!

[brengreen]

Beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

[beachcaster]

Apus Apus. As suggested have submitted details to Birdlife Cyprus.

Regards Alan

[Yioula]

What a fabulous photo .....hope he survives the hunters.....

[Firefly]

Me too