More Sussex Short-eared Owls

Cuckmere Haven, Sussex

Monday 10th January 2022

We had quit the Hawfinch site early because of fears about the angry landowner who we met earlier.  My idea was to move on to Cuckmere Haven where I could show Alison the site where I had seen the Short-eared Owls recently.  What a great decision that turned out to be.

• It didn't take long to locate our first Short-eared Owl, bang on venue.  It was flying low over the field and at times it came very close - down to 10 metres close.  Alison enjoyed the spectacle but was unhappy about the light and the subsequent pictures.  As you can see, she needn't have worried.

courtesy of Alison Playle

• Quite soon a second bird appeared and they flew up the hill in tandem but showing well in silhouette form when they cleared the horizon. When they flew down the slopes to re-join us they again came within 10 metres of us - completely unfazed by our presence.

courtesy of Alison Playle

Year total =  91

This was the natural world at its very best!