A Barn Owl at Wallasea Island

30th January 2025

It's not been the best winter for Short-eared Owls  at Wallasea Island but at least two, possibly three, have now taken up residence so time for a visit. They appear to favour the Pool Marsh area so off to the New Pool Trail where the elevated gound gives a commanding surveillance position.

On the way a couple of Sky Larks were showing signs of spring with several flights low over the ground.

On Pool Marsh were several flocks of Golden Plover that were positively glowing in the afternoon sun.

Then being Golden Plovers they would get spooked by something not obvious to us and rise into the air and drift around until the perceived danger had passed.

There must have been 2000+ birds in the combined flock, an absolutely amazing sight.

And here they are driftimg back to earth.

I did manage to spot a Short-eared Owl but it was very distant and hunting along the sea wall behind the offices. 

But then a Barn Owl appeared from the same direction, but in this instance started flying towards us getting closer and closer.

Normally about this time they veer off and fly away, but this one just kept on coming.....................

......................and coming..................

......................and coming....................

...................and coming!!!!!

Why can't they always be this cooperative???