My First Visit to Wallasea Island This Winter

28th October 2026

No Short-eared Owls reported so far at Wallasea, but I thought I would pop in as I was in the area. I headed straight for the "white gate" as it provides a commanding view over the eastern end of the reserve, so you can spot any owls or harriers and see what area they are favouring. I should point out that although most people know the famous white gate, newcomeres may be slightly confused because it is now lying in the ditch. It would be nice if it could be tied to the new fence to re-instate it as the famous landmark in its former glory.

A quick scan with the bins revealed a ring-tail Hen Harrier hunting in the distance and I managed to grab a few record shots before it flew way. Well, that was a good start.

About half an hour later a Short-eared Owl appeared and was quartering the same piece of land for a while, so I decided to abandon my plan to wait for the Barn Owl to appear from the barns by the entrance, and walk down the track to where the shortie was hunting. Just as I arrived there a Barn Owl appeared on a post in the middle of the tall vegetation, and after a couple of shots took to the air and spent the rest of the afternoon hunting along the far sea wall.

After a few minutes the shortie re-appeared and gave some opportuniteis for some flight shots, many in good light which with these birds is a bonus.

And then finally....................IN FOR THE KILL!!!!!!!!!

Well, what a great first visit of the winter. The fact that there are already three Barn Owls and two Short-eared Owls is an encouarging sign as it is probably more than the site had for the whole of last winter. Let's hope it is a bumper year.

Also great to spend a most enjoyable hour having a catch-up with my good mate Iain James.