Owl Roosting In Himalayan Balsam

This weeks photo begs the question was there ever a better bird photographed amongst that obnoxious plant Himalayan Balsam? It was a classic find deep in the heart of the Pennines as I searched for migrant thrushes. Clearly a bird on the move and I have failed to find it again since that memorable encounter.
In the last week Autumn wildlife has shown itself in abundance. Comma butterflies have been seen regularly and late Dragonflies have been active. Adders have now gone into hibernation and Autumn Crocus has already come and gone to seed.The highlight of the week was finding a Green Sandpiper feeding along the steam in Hopwood woods. It has to be the second best bird that I have ever found locally in nearly fifty years (second only to a Hen Harrier!)
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