This is the Tawny Owl and while it's call of the classic Twit twahooo we associate with an owls call is in fact a duet between a pair, and from it's dark eyes tends to be mainly nocturnal are rarely seen. This time of year is the breeding season, and males are agressive in defence of it's territory and often seen on a favourite perch in a specific area. During courtship the male perches near the female and sways from side to side, then up and down, raising first one wing then the other and finally both together. His plumage is puffed out, like this, making him appear almost round, then tightly compressed. Meanwhile he grunts softly, sometimes sidling a foot or so along the branch and back again. He may indulge in wing-clapping and when pursuing the female will utter screeches, mewings, groans and rattles. The female may puff out and quiver her feathers.