Short eared Owls at Reculver

With a few Short eared Owls wintering at Reculver and with the prospect of sunny skies and light winds for this afternoon, I decided on a visit to see if I could see them and maybe, even a few photo opportunities. I was dropped off about 1pm in the sunshine where I walked along the back of the Oyster farm to where I hoped the Owls would be seen. As I scanned across the area, I could see 2 Short eared Owls having a tussle together before one gained height and was soon harassed by the local crows before it flew low behind a raised path and out of sight. Walking on I soon saw another one sitting out in the open on a post, the 3rd Short eared Owl. It was still only about 1.30pm and they seemed quite active so I found a small tree on the side of the raised path and settled in at the base with the sun behind me out of sight. I spent the next hour or so having superb views through the binoculars as they flew around for good periods of time and sometimes interacted with each other where you could hear them calling. On a few occasions they did fly by quite close and I was able to rattle off a number of pleasing efforts with the camera and luckily for me, the Short eared Owl flew straight at me at one point providing not only a lovely view but a chance to capture a head on shot showing off those superb yellow eyes. I have seen many Short eared Owls but it was just a pleasure to be in their company on a lovely winters afternoon watching and studying them at close range. Hopefully they will continue to hang around and maybe weather permitting, I might go back for another session with them. 

Short eared Owl