Owls

Everyone loves owls. What a shame they're so difficult to see. Though I suppose it means that every sighting is a treat. Wherever, whenever and whatever species. They have such an ethereal air about them.

Barn Owl - What a bird! Amazing to watch hunting at either end of the day. It always feels like a rare privilege to see them. They can look ghost-like when out at dusk.

1-3 taken near Minsmere, Suffolk in June - hunting at dawn. 4 shows youngsters at RSPB Fowlmere, Cambs.

Little Owl - These have to be our cutest owl. Much smaller than the others. Introduced to this country. Numbers have declined but they are widespread throughout England and parts of Wales. These shots were taken on a farm near Wrexham. This is a male, out hunting between 6 and 9am.

Long-eared Owl - I've only seen two LE Owls, both at Winter roosts. They are extremely difficult to find and I confess that I only saw them thanks to more observant others finding them. This bird was hidden deep in a thick bush. It was extremely hard finding a gap big enough to point the camera lens through.

RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands Feb 15

Short-eared Owl - Perhaps the easiest owl to see, as they migrate here in decent numbers for the Winter and often hunt during daytime. A striking bird as they're quite large and have bright, piercing yellow eyes. RSPB Parkgate during a high tide in Winter is a good opportunity to see them.

Photo 1&2 taken on Fetlar in Shetland in June. 3 was at Farlington Marsh, Portsmouth in Oct.

Tawny Owl - Our largest owl. The originator of the 'twit-twoo' calls. Truly nocturnal, so unless you're lucky enough to spot one at roost in a tree you're unlikely to see them.

Damn that twig across his face! It could have been a really nice shot. Salcey Forest, Northants in May.

A fledgling at WBC Belvide, Staffs in May