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 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

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

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.

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.