In March of 2024 I spotted an owl flying in an open patch of land below the house, I never really got a close look but, I had it down as a Short-eared owl.
I had got into the habit of walking what I call the green lane, a grassy lane that leads along to another field and lies between Gorse bushes, those bushes come alive with small birds in Spring / Summer and the area beyond is open scrub full of Gorse, Willow and so on.
On one walk, towards the end of August I spotted an owl flying away from me so, I kept going back, intrigued and on one occasion caught a glimpse as it disappeared around Gorse.
I still thought it was a Short-eared owl but I did some digging into the markings etc. and decided it could be Long-eared!! I went back over several days hoping to catch a better glimpse, maybe even a photograph!
September 3rd, I walked into the lane and looked to my right where the fence runs off down the hill.
I couldn't believe it, a Long-eared owl on a fence post a few meters away from me. I raised the camera as slowly yet quickly as I could, fearing I'd scare it away and started shooting.
It just sat there for a few moments, staring at me, I think I was holding my breath, before taking off and flying farther down the same fence.
It settled on another post for a few more moments before disappearing.
I was pretty stunned, I had never seen a Long-eared owl before and had no idea that they might be in this area at all! I carried on walking the green lane for a few more days but never got the chance again.
Until September 6th!
I was out on one of my normal walks, over to my wildlife camera to check content when I looked out over the marsh area.
There was the Long-eared owl out hunting and oblivious to me, I wasn't ready of course but managed to bring the camera up and grab a few shots. It dropped into the grass not too far away from me.
Just look at those eyes! Those are all different shots but seconds apart and cropped closer. It lifted off and again started hunting.
I lost sight of it in the reeds before it popped up with a small catch then headed across to the fence on the other side.
I had continued walking along this side of the marsh area and it sat on that fence post watching me until I lost sight of it.
