From Christopher Spooner

I am very fortunate indeed, to have a long-lasting great rapport with this female Rufous Owl.

For over three years she has tolerated me being very close, and at times has flown down to perch near to where I am standing - which she did again last night - and once landed down at my feet where she picked up something (dropped food, perhaps?) before flying back up into the tree.

Such a special feeling when wildlife is so accepting of me on an ongoing basis!

A couple of weeks ago when I saw her for the first time in quite a few months, she appeared a little nervous. I spoke to her, and she immediately looked my way and calmed down - did she recognise my voice from last year’s encounters?

Here are some shots from last night after she had fed the chick and flown down to a bare branch near to where I was.

I had not seen her land and perch, but she called a few times which alerted me to where she was, and then she quietened down when I went to her and spoke to her. A wonderful 10 minute encounter before she flew off to hunt.