And For My Next Non-Indigenous Bird ...

[choux]

... today I was 'pecked' on the hand by one of these:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Eurasian_Eagle-owl

I have never seen such beautiful eyes, the most wonderful orange outer and red inner. Quite hypnotic. I did manage to stroke her chest feathers once we had kissed and made up. The joys of falconry displays lol.

[Brinjal]

Did you count your fingers?

[tonyav]

There big un's aren't they, choux.

[Psybbo]

Beautiful

[wolf63]

Although I am not a 'bird' person I have to admit that birds of prey are pretty magnificent looking and brilliant hunters. I just wish people would stop killing them.

[Chipchopper]

It seems sad to me that its natural range in Europe comes to an abrupt halt at the English chanel.
Lovely bird!

[choux]

I shall never forget today's encounter, that owl was magnificent. I would do it all again tomorrow. To gently stroke those feathers was an honour. No damage to the hand, but I wouldn't have complained if there had been. When all is said and done it is a wild bird and I am supposed to be the more intelligent :)

[237SJ]

Owls are gorgeous. When I was little my Dad used to take me to one of his customer`s houses and there was an owl called Ollie who used to sit on top of the kitchen door. I used to be lifted up so that I could stroke him.

[marval]

They are lovely, I love owls.