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 looking to the right

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

But half a flap on and I got this.

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.