Harriers and Owls at Wallasea Island

2nd December 2019

Time for another visit to Wallasea Island to try our luck once more with the harriers and owls. Not too much around early on, but early afternoon this male Marsh Harrier was hunting along the borrow-dyke by the western sea-wall. Sadly it was a bit distant but did allow some record shots.

Then as Short-eared Owl time approached we set up in readiness for the spectacle. Whilst waiting for the main act to commence a ringtail Hen Harrier shot across the field of view at such a high speed that it was certainly on a mission with no time to hang around hunting.

Then owls started to appear over the River Crouch sea wall with 5-6 birds in all. However, some dispersed to other parts of the site as there were only two birds hunting in front of us at any one time, and the next half an hour was spent photographing these magnificent birds as they quartered the ground on silent wings. Just look at those colours in the late afternoon sun.

Fantastic, and hopefully one day they will come a bit closer.