At last, the arrival of some local Derbyshire Short-eared Owls. It’s really great to have a few of these superb owls local to me. This autumn and winter period has seen an exceptional arrival of birds, spread right across the country, but many have been found dead due to starvation. I guess due to the lack of large numbers of rodents required to sustain them and the diabolically wet weather we have had over recent months. The last time I had encounters with Shorties was back in November, up on the Wirral. Any how there were two Short-eared Owls performing for me and Glyn, in superb late afternoon winter sunshine on Christmas Eve. The colours from the sun reflecting on the birds and on the surrounding land was simply brilliant. Note the bright yellow eye which helps to distinguish Short-eared Owl from Long-eared Owl, which has a bright orange eye. I hope they stay for a few more weeks.
Short-eared Owl – Derbyshire – December 24th 2015 – Tony Davison© – above eight images
A good set by anyone’s standards.
Thanks Richard – I went and had another go..