Category Archives: owl

Early Morning Owl

February 16, 2016 by Words | 4 Comments

Well you can’t keep a good owl down, and now I know a little more about its habits I was able to find it early this morning. The ground was frosty, and the sun just coming up over the Downs.

I was taking photos of some sheep, and then a stone chat and some skylarks (I love hearing them in the morning), when the owl flew in over my shoulder and headed down the valley. I got a few not-very-good shots before I lost sight of it. I tracked its path, but couldn’t see any sign of it perching or flying. But it’s a short-eared owl and as well as those other bird things they do, they also do this. Yes, they hide in the long grass. I almost missed it, but there it was just sitting still.

Short Eared Owl resting in long grass at Sheepcote Valley, Brighton.

Short Eared Owl resting in long grass at Sheepcote Valley, Brighton.

Short Eared Owl looking to the right

Short Eared Owl looking to the right

Short Eared Owl on watch.

Short Eared Owl on watch.

We watched each other for a while, and then it took to the air. Once again I clipped its wings on take off.

Short Eared Owl taking off from the long grass

Short Eared Owl taking off from the long grass

But half a flap on and I got this.

Short-eared owl taking off at Sheepcote

Short-eared owl taking off at Sheepcote

Nice way to start the day. Cold, yes; but I’m not complaining 🙂

Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 7D Mark II and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens.

Also posted in Bird of Prey, Wildlife Tagged |

Short Eared Owl Update

February 14, 2016 by Words | 3 Comments

I’ve been quiet on here recently, but finally got some good photo time today and went off to Sheepcote Valley in search of the local short eared owl. I’ve been looking out for it most mornings since the original sighting a week or so ago, but without any luck. Today I went for the other end of the day, and my luck was in. I had an early distant glimpse and was then pointed in the right direction by some helpful hikers.

These are a small sample.

Short eared owl in flight

Short eared owl in flight

Short eared owl

Short eared owl

Short eared owl

Short eared owl

Short eared owl

As well as these there are many more photos from today over on a new Short Eared Owl album.

Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 7D Mark II and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens.

Also posted in Bird of Prey Tagged |

Short Eared Owl

January 19, 2016 by Words | 6 Comments

I’d heard rumours that a short-eared owl had been seen locally, and I wanted to check it out. The sun was just coming up when I arrived at Sheepcote Valley, and it didn’t take long for me to see that the journey wasn’t wasted. In the distance the unmistakeable outline of an owl was quartering the valley.

Short eared owl with the Whitehawk television mast in the background

Short eared owl with the Whitehawk Hill transmission mast in the background

The early morning frost kept the ground hard (otherwise it would have been close to a quagmire. I edged my way down into the valley and watched as Shortie flew sweeps, occasionally diving into the undergrowth, but mainly just out looking, hunting.

Short eared owl at Sheepcote Valley, Brighton

Short eared owl at Sheepcote Valley, Brighton

I took far too many shots, mostly from too far away; but an owl encounter gets me like that. A few have come out ok, but I need to work on it to get better flight shots in what is pretty poor light.

Short eared owl at Sheepcote Valley, Brighton

Short eared owl at Sheepcote Valley, Brighton

As the sun rose above the Downs, parts of the valley were bathed in a beautiful light. Inevitably I was caught out and too far away, but it was beautiful to see the owl bathed in the golden morning light.

Short eared owl bathed in golden light just after sunrise.

Short eared owl bathed in golden light just after sunrise.

The forecast for the next couple of days is good, and as the month progresses the good light will arrive slightly earlier which will help. I hope to get more photos, but you can never guarantee these things. A great way to start the day. That, I can say.

Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 7D Mark II and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens.

Also posted in Bird of Prey Tagged , |