A Short-eared Owl at King's Meads

26th February 2021

For the first time since lock-down started at the beginning of January I ventured out for a walk round my local nature reserve King's Meads. Quite a few people around taking their daily exercise but it was fairly easy to keep away from the crowds by avoiding the main paths, particularly the tow-path by the Lee Navigation.

Along the loop of the old River Lea a Cormorant was perched up high on a dead tree enjoying the sunshine. Just look at those glossy feathers.

On the Meads itself Reed Buntings were starting to return for the breeding season and the males were getting their summer plumage with their shiny black caps.

Meadow Pipits were also present, no longer in their large winter flocks, but in smaller numbers and starting to pair up for the breeding season. They rather obligingly sat up in one of the bushes for some photographs.

There was also some action as they adjusted their positions before one of them dropped like a stone from the bush, presumably to grab an insect that they had spotted on the ground.

At this point I spotted a Kestrel perched on a bush towards the flyover and decided to walk round in an arc to get the sun in a better position. As I was walking I noticed a movement out of the corner of my eye and assumed it was a Snipe which I knew were in the area. It was only when I looked round that I realised it was a Short-eared Owl which flew a few yards and then perched up on a bush.

This was a total surprise as although a Short-eared Owl had been here for over a month earlier on, it had not been seen for three weeks and had therefore been assumed to have moved on.  The fact that it hasn't been seen up until now suggests that, unlike most Short-eared Owls, it is rather a night owl!!