May 8, 2008
French Alps 2008 - corking Pygmy Owl
On the drive down from our Rock Partridge success, we heard Crested and Willow Tits (Mesanges huppee et boreale) close to the roadside. John wanted a better look at the crestie, so we played the call of Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Chevechette d'Europe). To our utter astonishment, in the middle of the day, a real Pygmy Owl answered and swooped low over our heads to investigate - my second lifer of the day! The bird installed itself on the top of a low conifer and was seemingly oblivious to our presence. LOTS of digiscoping ensued.
The two superstar birds of the day were duly celebrated that evening with champagne and delicious raclette - my best birding day in a very long time...
PS This bird was the previous post's Alpine quizbird.
