ASIO FLAMMEUS SCANDIACUSShort-eared Owl Photography
Short-eared Owls are mainly winter visitors to the UK, although some pairs remain to breed, particularly further north. Unlike many owl species they regularly hunt during daylight, so when migratory birds arrive during the winter months they can provide some fantastic opportunities to watch and photograph them as they quarter low over open grassland in search of prey.
Much of the challenge comes from photographing them in flight. Their constantly changing direction and height can make them difficult to follow, but it can also produce some of the most rewarding images, particularly when the winter light and surrounding landscape come together.
As with all of my owl photography, patience and good fieldcraft are important. I prefer to find a suitable position and allow the birds to continue hunting naturally, rather than approaching or influencing their behaviour.
The gallery below brings together some of my favourite Short-eared Owl images, all photographed ethically and without baiting.
