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Mark Brandon
Relaxing little owls!
On such a gloomy dismal day, I thought it would be nice to share a post with some images that Rob Gilmore took last weekend of a pair of little owls sitting in the sunshine over on Sandy Heath Quarry.
We are often asked if the little owls are still around here, as they do disappear for periods of time or they are hidden behind rocks or sheltering in holes, but if you are lucky they may show like they did for ROB!
To get to the quarry, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing at the entrance to The Lodge reserve, and follow the bridleway, After a few yards, soon after the vehicle barrier, turn right at the Skylark trail sign, walk across the fields planted with seed crops by the RSPB (look out for finch flocks and stonechats along here). Cross the haul road through the two yellow barriers, and follow the defined track across a short field, then walk up the wooden steps on the trail which goes along the top of the old quarry. We have managed this area of land for many years, since Tarmac finished quarrying here.
It's around a half hour walk from the shop to this point, with out stopping to birdwatch on the way!
The owls are sometime seen on the rocky slope below the top of the steps, but are usually best viewed from further along the trail, looking back towards the slope.
Good luck if you do go looking for them!