Sleeping Tawny Owl

It’s not often I get to see a Tawny Owl, so when one sets up a winter roost not far from home, you'd think I'd be straight there. But despite this bird being in the same spot for its second—or maybe even third—winter, I hadn’t made the trip until last week.

I arrived to find it dozing in its usual roost hole, perfectly nestled into the bark like a woodland spirit. It only woke briefly for a quick preen before settling back down, eyes closed, soaking up the dappled sunlight.

Even though I didn’t catch it at its most active, I was still thrilled to get this classic image—a sleepy Tawny, tucked into the tree as if it were carved from the wood itself.

I’ll definitely have to return soon before spring kicks off in full and this magical little corner of the woods changes with the season.

Frosty March Hares

Last weekend offered up one of those magical moments that make all the early starts and frozen fingers completely worth it. It was an absolute treat to photograph Brown Hares in the frost, and what a morning it turned out to be.

With around ten hares scattered across the field, the scene was full of energy and classic hare behaviour—chasing, dodging, and, of course, boxing. The frosty ground added a beautiful shimmer to the landscape, making every movement stand out just that little bit more.

Every now and then, one curious hare would sprint straight towards me, completely unaware I was tucked away quietly at the edge of the field. It’s always a thrill when wildlife comes to you on its own terms—moments like that feel like a real connection.

Photographing Brown Hares in their natural winter habitat is a special kind of challenge and reward. Their speed, alertness, and interactions make for an unpredictable but always exciting shoot. I feel really lucky to have witnessed such a lively gathering in those stunning frosty conditions.

Here’s hoping for more crisp mornings and a few more close encounters soon.

More Dark-breasted Barn Owl

It's been an enjoyable few weeks photographing this Dark-breasted Barn Owl. More to come.

Shocked Shortie!

The weather has been challenging lately, and life has thrown in a few distractions (more on those soon!), so my visits to see the Short-eared Owls have been a bit less frequent. But late last month, I had one of those moments that make the wait worthwhile—a truly incredible encounter.

I was lucky enough to find a Short-eared Owl perched on a post right by the road. It was completely unfazed by my presence, allowing me to approach and watch it from just a few metres away. For half an hour, I had the privilege of observing and photographing it as it scanned the fields, occasionally shifting its position from post to post in search of prey. It was a magical experience—just me, the owl, and the fading light of the evening.

So, why do these photos show it looking less than relaxed? Well, a couple of passing cyclists changed the mood. The owl wasn't happy about their sudden appearance and decided to put on its best Long-eared Owl impression—elongating its body and pulling in its feathers to look more camouflaged. It wasn’t fooling anyone, though! This tense posture didn’t last long, and once the cyclists were gone, it quickly returned to its usual relaxed state.

Hopefully, I'll be able to spend more time with them again soon!

This male Marsh Harrier was ringed and tagged on the Nene Washes in 2023. A few of us saw it heading south on Saturday, over Bourne south fen.

Dark-breasted Barn Owl Surprise

This stunning Dark-breasted Barn Owl has been gracing the area for a few weeks now, and over the weekend, I was lucky enough to enjoy some incredible close-up views of this rare visitor. The contrast in its rich, dusky plumage compared to our native Barn Owls is striking—giving it a completely different appearance.

Interestingly, its behaviour also seems different. Unlike the typical British Barn Owl, which favours open fields and low perches, this individual often hunts from trees and chooses to roost deep within an evergreen—a behaviour I’ve rarely seen from our resident Barn Owls!

More Short-eared Owl in flight

The Short-eared Owls have been absolutely incredible to photograph lately—not just perched gracefully on posts but also in flight, which has been an exhilarating challenge. There’s something truly captivating about these owls; their effortless glides, piercing eyes, and unpredictable movements make them endlessly fascinating.

Every evening, I’ve found myself completely drawn to their behavior, constantly trying to refine my shots and capture their magic in new ways. Whether it’s the way they hover against the golden light of dusk or the intensity of their gaze as they scan the ground, these owls have a way of pulling you in. It’s been such a rewarding experience to see my photos improve with each outing, and I’m already looking forward to the next session.

Tree Sparrow

It’s always a special moment when you spot a bird that’s become a rare sight in your local area. That’s exactly what happened last autumn when my friend Hugh and I visited Spurn. Among the many incredible sights, we were thrilled to enjoy some wonderful views of Tree Sparrows—a species that’s sadly becoming increasingly uncommon around us these days.

I’ve been absolutely loving my time observing not just the Short-eared Owls but also getting to know the local Barn Owls. The day before I captured this shot of the perched Barn Owl, something incredible happened—Amy and I had a Short-eared Owl land on the exact same post! It was such a surprise, as it flew up from a ditch below eye level, and honestly, I was so stunned that I missed the chance to take any photos. The Short-eared Owl didn’t stick around long enough for me to recover from the excitement!

This time, though, I was ready. When the Barn Owl appeared, I stayed calm and focused, and thankfully, I managed to snap some great shots. I particularly love how the grass in front of the post adds a natural frame to the image, giving it a bit of extra depth and character. It’s these little details that make wildlife photography so rewarding.

A few More Short-eared Owls

Barn Owls and Roads – A Deadly Combination

Barn Owls are one of Britain’s most iconic and mesmerising birds, their ghostly white shape drifting silently over fields and fens at dusk. However, their beauty and unique hunting style put them in grave danger when it comes to roads.

While out with my camera recently, I captured a couple of photos of Barn Owls flying over and alongside a road—an all too familiar sight, and a stark reminder of why so many are tragically hit by cars. These birds often hunt low over grass verges, where the shorter grass attracts small mammals such as voles and mice. With their focus locked onto the ground below, they are often unaware of the fast-moving traffic around them until it’s too late.

If you're driving in rural areas, particularly near farmland and wetlands, slowing down at dawn and dusk can make all the difference. Small actions like these can help protect one of our most enchanting birds and prevent unnecessary loss.

It’s always a privilege to watch these owls in action, but it’s bittersweet knowing that their breathtaking flight is often cut short by human activity. Hopefully, with greater awareness and conservation efforts, we can reduce the number of Barn Owls lost to our roads.

Have you ever had a close encounter with a Barn Owl while driving? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Long-tailed Tit

Last autumn, I spent countless hours exploring my local patch, hoping to spot a Yellow-browed Warbler. While I didn’t have any luck finding one, I was rewarded with the chance to photograph Long-tailed Tits as they flitted through the trees in their roaming flocks. A great reminder that even when the target bird doesn’t appear, there’s always something special to capture in nature.

Evening Owl Encounters Away from the Crowds

With the evenings getting lighter, I’ve finally been able to head out with my camera after work. This week, I managed to find some Short-eared Owls away from the busy crowds of Deeping Highbank, making for a much more peaceful and rewarding experience.

Amy and I were treated to some incredible close-up views of one particularly obliging Short-eared Owl—the best yet! Hopefully, there will be more unforgettable encounters to come as the season continues.