A Good Short-eared Owl Haul

Today I visited a new site for the first time, most of the day was taken up by a site meeting, however that was fine given the rubbish weather.

I was told the site was generally flat farmland with large open fields and would likely be full of Lapwing and Golden Plovers. It wasn't, didn't see a single one! There was some huge fields but there was also two large areas of fallow land that were incredible - it reminded me a bit of Worlaby Carrs. I had just stepped out the car and there was a Short-eared Owl flying about (it was 2pm), then a short while later a Barn Owl flew out in the same area, both showed very well, down to 30ft! (they didn't seem concerned at all with us looking like plonkers in our hard hats and hi-viz jackets stood in the middle of a field). A quick look at some scrub flushed a Woodcock, several Bullfinch, Reed Bunting and a good mix of tits. Hunting Kestrel and Sparrowhawk flew about as too did a female Marsh Harrier. A scan of another area of fallow land resulted in another Barn Owl and 4 additional Short-eared Owl too! Majorly good result!

It must be a huge Shorty year as they are everywhere!

Not a bad 30 minutes out on site in the drizzle! I wonder what else is out there....