A Couple of Hours with the Barnies

22nd February 2026

Sunny spells forecast for the afternoon so off to Wallasea Island to chance my luck with the Barn Owls. I had an hour to spare before getting into position for the Barn Owl performance so had a wander out to the screens overlooking Grass Farm Lagoon. The Sky Larks were in full song but today not very cooperative so I only had time for one shot.

As I approched the screens I could hear the meowing call of Mediterranean Gulls and soon found three on an island on Acresfleet Lagoon.

Here is an enlargement of one of the gulls showing its crimson bill, white eye-lids and completely white wings.

And a couple of shots in flight.

Now getting near owl time so off to the famous white gate. Still a while to go but luckily one of the Wallasea female Kestrels provided the support act.

Then I spotted a small falcon absolutely bombing across the marsh about a foot off the ground which then landed on a distant post. The lack of a distinctive moustachial strip. a slight eye-stripe and barring right down to the legs confirm this as a Merlin.

But now showtime and the first Barn Owl appeared right on cue at 4.20pm. Eventually three owls were in the air at once and the show was still in full swing albeit in fading light when I left at 5.00pm.

What a way to spend an afternoon!!!