Big Eyes

Just a quick post today. I've been away and lots of catching up to do.  But I saw these two pairs of beautiful eyes at the weekend and wanted to share them with you. (Sorry for the slightly weird colours  - that's my iPhone camera for you)...

The first pair of eyes belongs to an owl - I think it's a Eurasian Eagle Owl but I forgot to check its tag.   It was sitting on a stand at at a fund-raising stall run by the Midlands Bird of Prey Rescue.    It is one of several hand reared owls which the organisation takes round to various summer fetes and public events to raise cash and awareness.   They must look after the birds very well. All of them were bright, glossy, healthy and alert, and I couldn't tear my gaze away from this owl's amazing eyes.  The owl was obviously quite happy meetnig the public, and actually seemed quite interested in what was going on. (It took a particular interest in any small dogs which passed its perch.  I suspect it saw them as potential prey. )

The little cat with the stripe on its face was one of two, living in a run-down garden centre. The garden centre was frankly pretty sad, with flappy, torn plastic polytunnels lined with white plaster board ,and droopy plants. 

I thought it had such a friendly gaze - if a cat can have such a thing, (Can it?)

But both cats, which the owners had rescued from a shelter, were enchanting and full of life, in total contrast to their surroundings.   Wish I could have got both of them together but most of the time they were frisking around too happily to look at me.  Here they are in a brief pause between jumping on each other.

.