Friday, 27 February 2009

Short-Eared Owl 27/2/09

Yesterday we were driving past the fields between Backworth and Killingworth when we saw a brown bird hunting in the field at 5-30pm. We guessed it was a short-eared owl but we didn't have time to stop because we had to get to Killingworth for 5-45. So today we went back a couple of hours ago (5pm) and sure enough it was there hunting over the field in the same place. It flew off to a different field and that is when we took the chance. We got out the car and went down the track and hid behind some bushes. 10 minutes later, it was back in our field and it was flying towards us. We thought it would see us but it didn't until I took a photo of it when it was level with us flying 10 metres away! It then went back to the centre of the field and starting hunting again. Some lovely views of it on a lovely night! Short-Eared Owl
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15 comments:

  1. Citybirding27 February 2009 at 19:11

    Brilliant

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  2. Alan Tilmouth27 February 2009 at 21:38

    Fieldcraft, those bushes come in handy quite often for a spot of hiding.

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  3. Unknown28 February 2009 at 18:12

    Could you describe exactly where you saw it, amazing photographs of a lovely bird, Holywell Birder

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  4. Unknown28 February 2009 at 18:15

    Here's my email if this helps (holywellbirding@hotmail.com, oh and did you see the Kingfisher at Red House Farm Pond;) Thanks Cain

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  5. ST1 March 2009 at 00:21

    Jack, I'm pleased you have comments on here, now.
    You have a great blog and some excellent pics.

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  6. Anonymous1 March 2009 at 19:13

    Hi Cain,

    Having trouble sending you an email but I took the photos on the road leading from Backworth to Killingworth Village and approximately opposite Simonside Way. It seems to hunt between 5-00 and 5-30pm. Haven't yet seen the kingfisher but hoping to see it shortly.

    Good Luck,

    Jack B

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  7. Unknown2 March 2009 at 11:06

    Thanks Jack

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  8. Unknown3 March 2009 at 18:31

    Went down today, and there was two birds present, thanks for the heads up Jack, got some images but not of your quality, stick in at it. Oh could you add my blog to your links cheers cain http://holywellbirding.blogspot.com/

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  9. Jack B3 March 2009 at 19:25

    Ok Cain

    I've added you to my list. Excellent photo aswell.

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  10. Anonymous3 March 2009 at 22:05

    Excellent photos Jack, keep it up.
    Uncle Ken

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  11. Anonymous4 March 2009 at 18:16

    Nice find Jack and great photos.

    I heard about this from Scrimmy. ;-)

    No luck when I visited on 3/3/09 but found them on 4/3/09. Watched them from the waggonway for about an hour from 2.30pm. Some of my best ever views of SEO and on my local patch! Great stuff.
    Keep up the good work.
    Brian

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  12. Anonymous6 March 2009 at 21:30

    No luck with SEO tonight but did see a nice barn owl hunting appx 6 pm

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  13. Anonymous6 March 2009 at 22:41

    I watched the pair again on 5th. I'm assuming they will move on soon. Definately lots of courtship going on (at leat I can only think that is what was happening). They appeared to be practising food passes and at one point seemed to very briefly lock talons.

    Pleased to hear that there is a Barn Owl about Earsdon. I shall have to have a look for that.

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  14. Anonymous7 March 2009 at 09:26

    Barn owl was on waggonways where seo were

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  15. Anonymous7 March 2009 at 13:14

    Thanks.

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