Long-eared Owl in Cambridgeshire

I have never had the 'clearest' of views of a Long-eared Owl, not surprising really as they are famous for roosting in dense, thick shrubbery and staying stock still. This is probably the best views that I have had of this shy and secretive bird, only 15-20 metres from my vantage point, but always obscured, although some people who know of the site have been walking closer to try and achieve a clear view! Hopefully, this sort of idiotic behaviour will not disturb the bird.

A smaller owl than a lot of people realise, noticeably smaller than a Tawny Owl and about the same size as a Barn Owl. A bird that is pretty much nocturnal, although it can be crepuscular as well.

Long-eared Owl at Deeping Lakes NR

It's that time of year again when there is a roosting Long-eared Owl on the island at Deeping Lakes nature reserve in south Lincolnshire and once again it is a nightmare to see and photograph. The above photograph is obviously pretty well cropped, but the bird can be picked out by looking up and to the left from the piece of wood at the bottom of the photo, useful when viewing the island from the hide which is at quite a distance!

Spot the Owl(s)

After going through the photos from yesterday once more, just hoping for a slightly better shot, I noticed this one that I had taken in which both Long-eared Owls are visible (sort of!).

Just to give you a better idea of what Chris and I were faced with in order to see these two owls I am showing you a photo of the island on which the owls are roosting.

This was taken from the hide and gives you an idea of the distance and foliage involved. If you click on the above image you will possibly be able to see a white or pale piece of wood sticking out of the water on the right hand side of the left island, go upwards and to the left at about a 45 degree angle and that is where the birds are roosting. You will also see from the clicked on image an Osprey platform, complete with ready built nest, built in the hope that an Osprey will nest. Personally, I think this may prove in vain, but I would love to be proven wrong.

Spot the Owl

Long-eared Owls are notorious for roosting in dense shrubbery, thus leading to less than spectacular views. The two at Deeping Lakes this afternoon were no exception, leading to the above photo, just to show you how hard they are to pick out. Imagine trying to view something that is camouflaged, dead still and at a distance of at least 200 metres, then you begin to get the idea. As I said, there were two of these birds roosting on the same island that hosted a pair last year, presumably the same birds.

Is this any better? This was taken as a digiscoped effort with Chris's camera through my scope. I suppose that it's closer, if nothing else.