Short Eared Owl

Could this handsome creature be anything other than a Short Eared Owl?

Surprised to see it at all but it obliged by sitting in the same place for about half an hour at 0900 hrs until the light improved sufficiently to let me get this shot.

Our cat was intrigued - sat watching with us until she could resist not longer then out she went - took the long way round - and the owl took flight to be replaced by a disappointed feline!