Short Eared Owl and Magpies

I’m going to split Monday’s owl sequence into a number of posts, starting with this short sequence of Shortie being mobbed by a pair of magpies. They were chasing the poor owl all over the bottom of Sheepcote Valley. Great to watch the difference in flight between the much larger owl and the two black and white combatants.

Short-eared owl being mobbed by magpies at Sheepcote Valley, Brighton
Short-eared owl being mobbed by magpies at Sheepcote Valley, Brighton
Short-eared owl being mobbed by magpies at Sheepcote Valley, Brighton
Short-eared owl being mobbed by magpies with the Whitehawk Transmitter in the background
Occasionally it looked as though the owl was doing the chasing, but it's more a case that the magpies would overshoot their target.
Occasionally it looked as though the owl was doing the chasing, but it’s more a case that the magpies would overshoot their target.
Short-eared owl being mobbed by magpies at Sheepcote Valley, Brighton
An arrow-like attack!
Short-eared owl being mobbed by magpies at Sheepcote Valley, Brighton
The magpies chased Shortie along the perimeter fencing. He eventually sought refuge and a breather on a fence post away from the open ground.

More coming soon including some decent in-flight shots and a rubbish shot of the owl with its breakfast!

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

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This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Darko

    4 Mar 2016

    Owl doesn’t seem to be too concerned but it must have been annoying to be bullied while trying to get something for lunch 😀

    1. Words

      6 Mar 2016

      Darko, I’m sure it can take care of itself. The magpies almost certainly have their own nests to protect.

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