Lovely shot. Only ever seen one at a distance. I see reports daily about them up here but they never show for me.
Fantastic photo!
I've just spent the entire afternoon until 6:30pm waiting for a shortie to appear at a location I was assured they are regularly seen. Nothing ! ! !
That's a lovely shot of a very enigmatic bird. We saw one just before Christmas here in absolutely torrential rain, as it kept a wary eye on a Red Kite. Worth getting soaked for, though.
Sorry to hear that. I have had the same experience at times. They would have been hunting in the area, just not in the same field you were overlooking. Keep trying!