We have a new addition to our bird list - a Little Owl which has the lovely scientific name of Athene Noctua. It was well spotted by Phil on 6 October as it perched on the tree house in his back garden adjoining Hilly Fields. After about 10 minutes, it flew off into the park. There has been one possible brief sighting since.
The Little Owl is indeed little for an owl, being about the same size as a Starling. It hunts from dusk to midnight and just before dawn, but it is not unusual to see it in the early daylight hours as Phil did. It may have seen a mouse in the back garden and may well return. If you are walking along the path that borders the back gardens of Cliffview Road, look and listen out. If you think you hear a cat miaowing, take another look because the Little Owl's call is rather like that.
The Little Owl is not rare, but it is uncommon. I've asked the local birding community and the nearest site where a Little Owl is known to be present is Belair Park, Dulwich. So welcome to Hilly Fields, Athene Noctua - but be wary of the local cats. They may not like the competition.
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