My first visit to Otmoor this afternoon. Was blown away by the sky and the light, and all the swifts in flight, what a wonderful place. On my way out saw two Hobby pointed out by a fellow birder, then on the way back was enjoying a wonderful view of one perched on a fence on Greenaways for about 5 minutes before realising that down on the ground next to it was sitting a short-eared owl. Still around! is that usual? The owl even gave us all a great view in flight as it headed off towards the carpark. Truely a special place and am so looking forward to many more visits.
T
I just love the way Short-Eared-Owls stare at us bird-watchers..."you stare at me, I stare at you"
I saw this yesterday (Sunday 13th May) a hobby and a short eared owl sitting about half a dozen posts apart next to the first reed bed hide. Extraordinary to have two reports of this. Is there some kind of teamwork happening here? :-)
It certainly would be unusual for short eared owls to reside at Otmoor during the summer as they usually breed further north.
I also had a great sight last week of one swooping over the bridleway. Perhaps they will stick around this year?!