Urban Birding. Owl and Falcon

Today at morning the temperature was -35C, but at lunch time (12.20 am) it was -27C, and I went to birding. Birding in frost can’t be very long and I planned to look for Peregrine Falcon on Republic Square during about one hour. I selected this spot for two reasons. Firstly, last time I twice noticed flying Peregrine in vicinity of Square; secondly, here is open area and the flying bird is visible from a far.

But down the road to Square I visited Park Zhambyla. Birds in park were a bit, even near bird feeder. Near the exit from park I noticed the flock of Bullfinches on ash-tree. I took some photo of birds and decided to make one more circle in Park. It was the right decision because I found Ural Owl! The snow covered Owl perched on the branch of fir-tree. I didn’t disturb it, took 2-3 photos and go on.

I was very happy and didn’t hide camera to bag but went with it in hands. It was the right decision because near Republic Square I noticed the flying Peregrine Falcon. I noticed Falcon, it noticed me therefore falcon flew to me, watched me and then flew to high building and landed to it. All the time I was staying on red light, taking photos of Falcon and no paying attention to public. When light was green I cross the street, take more photos and go home. Due to frost the air was with mist preventing to photo shooting. But I was happy.

1. Ural Owl | Strix uralensis

2. Peregrine Falcon | Falco peregrinus

3. Peregrine Falcon | Falco peregrinus

4. All was beginning from the Bullfinch.