While undertaking the final Hen Harrier roost survey of the season on the 17th, yesterday, I had good views over 20 minutes of this Short Eared Owl hunting. Present again this afternoon. Both days 15.30 onwards. Also spotted was a Red Kite, a Kestrel and 2 pairs of amorous Buzzards.
Sadly the last Harrier seen was a Ringtail three weeks ago. This season there has consistently been one Grey, male, Harrier first seen on the 24th October last year and 2 Ringtail Harriers. One of these birds was larger than the other with ragged tail feathers. None of the birds were ringed. Jean Dovey and Tommy Evans have taken great photographs of them over the winter.
The photos of the Owl are not to their standards and it was some distance away.