Branching out

Heres a couple of images of a bird not long out of the nest, @ 28 days old.

Even at this early age, this recently branched youngster tries to avoid detection. Drawing himself up as tall as possible & then remaining perfectly still.

As we got closer the owlet began bill clacking, rocking sideways plumping out with body plumage & wings.

puffing itself up to appear as large as possible & closing eyes

I dont know if its more comical than it is intimidating!

means business - rocking & swaying with more bill-clacking, fluffed right out & beginning to show flight feathers.

Big & scarey !
Flight feathers on show - it was time for us to go...


We saw the male, keeping watch from the sidelines :-

A similar scenario at another location on an evening visit :-

 1 of 3 young here, not much to hide behind, but still managing to blend in with its surroundings.

The female was sitting close at hand in full view- id been watching this area for 15mins, before i noticed her ! & the best of the evenings light had gone.
During that time i was wondering why i wasnt hearing any begging calls from the juvs - she was obviously aware of me & shut them up..... i took this image of her doing her best to avoid detection & headed off.