The main draw for many people to Elmley, especially in the winter, is the fabulous array of owls. Many of the Short-eared Owls roost during the day in a meadow just by the car park. This winter there were estimated to be around 27 of these spectacular owls. As our trip was towards the end of winter, some owls had departed, but it was thought around 16 were still on the reserve. Barn Owls were also very evident, and we saw a pair regularly during the stay, as well as one flying past the shepherd hut early in the morning on both days, while we were having a hot drink whilst laying in bed. With the chance of Long-eared Owl and Little Owl as well, you can see why this reserve is so popular.
One of the beauties of staying overnight here is that one can get up early and see and photograph the Barn Owls before the general public are allowed on site. We were lucky that only on the 2nd morning did we see someone else out early, and he was heading down to where the Bearded Tits are sometimes seen. On the first morning we had the pair of Barn Owls out hunting. To give each other a better chance we each stayed near different owls. I must confess, I chose the right one as I managed a couple of close encounters with mine.
Barn Owl in flight.
After getting a few shots of my Barn Owl hunting over the meadow, I got lucky when the owl landed on a fencepost quite near. Fortunately, there was a bush between us and I used the bush to hide behind as I crept closer. I'm sure the owl realised I was there as it looked in my direction a couple of times, between looking for prey in the meadow.
The Barn Owl posing well.
Soon the owl went back to hunting on the wing. With me being the only person near it, I could keep extremely quiet and stay behind bushes or fenceposts so the owl was not alarmed at all.
I then saw the owl fly to the end of the meadow and settle again on another fencepost. There were even more bushes here to hide behind as I crept closer, and I got much closer without the owl realising I was there. With the mirrorless camera's silent shutter I could fire of photos without the owl hearing anything, and I took several images.
A close encounter.
Suddenly, the Barn Owl became really alert, and it was clear it had detected prey in the grass below where it was watching from. It then dropped down on prey and covered it with its wings, before eating the prey.
Barn Owl with prey.
It was soon back on the wing, having had some breakfast.
It wasn't long before Lisa came and found out how I had got on with my owl. She also had some success, but unfortunately for her, her owl was not quite so accommodating.
We decided it was time for our breakfast, and as it was such a lovely morning we sat outside admiring the view while we ate it.
After breakfast we walked along to the old schoolhouse where we got lucky with the pair of Little Owls, sitting together at the top of the crumbling building.
The Pair of Little Owls.
It was now coming up to a little after when the general public could come in, so we decided to go for a long walk on the reserve. Before we left though, we saw Simon, the main warden checking the bushes near the car park, and we assumed he was looking for the Long-eared Owl. After talking to him he told us where the owl could sometimes be seen at roost, and if he found the owl during the day he would look out for us when we got back from our walk. We did of course, also have a good look for the elusive bird, but without success.
Later, after our walk we could see several people looking at something in the bushes, and we immediately suspected that the Long-eared Owl had been spotted. The owl was certainly well hidden deep in the bushes, but by moving about, a shot through the bushes was just about possible, although as I only had my 600mm lens, this wasn't really suitable, and the shot below was the best I could get.
Long-eared Owl deep in the bushes.
During our stay, the Short-eared Owls showed much earlier than the local ones in Sussex, but they seemed to leave the main meadow quickly and hunt out in the main reserve. Therefore, we didn't really do well with this species. A very light coloured owl did settle in the top of a bush, which gave us a chance. It is possible that this owl was one of the juvenile owls that were the offspring from one of the two pairs that bred at Elmley in 2024.
A light coloured Short-eared Owl.
Eventually, and regretfully, it was time for us to leave. It was such an amazing experience staying on the wonderful reserve, and virtually having the place to ourselves once the non residents had to leave. We certainly made the best of the situation, having close views of Barn Owls, Brown Hares and many of the bird species found here. As we loaded up the car and started the long drive along the entrance track, little did we know that there was still the best highlight to come. As I drove very slowly along, looking out for the Hares, Lisa spotted a Short-eared Owl just a little way from the track. It allowed us to get parallel with it, as it sat on top of an anthill. We both fired off many shots, and then, the sun came out. It couldn't get any better!! The light really showed off its incredible yellow eyes. It was clearly hunting by waiting patiently to see if a vole would move nearby. Suddenly it flew about 3 feet closer and dropped on prey. Similar to the Barn Owl earlier it ate the prey while it was on the ground. Soon it took off and circled around us. Wow, what a finale, or that's what we thought!!
Short-eared Owl watching for prey from the anthill.
The successful owl with prey.
We then proceeded further along the entrance track. We nearly got to the exit when Lisa spotted another Short-eared Owl. This time it was her side of the car. We couldn't really make this up. After failing with the Short-eared up until we were leaving, it was almost as if these 2 owls were waving at us and seeing us off in a really good way.
Once again, many photos were taken of this beautiful bird. By now the sun was getting very low, and as I was photographing over Lisa's shoulder, most of my shots were suffering with a little camera shake, but I did get one shot that was okay. Lisa was able to rest her camera on the window frame of the car, and she did much better.
As we drove away from the owl we both had massive smiles, and we drove to a local pub for dinner feeling very pleased with ourselves.
The final Short-eared Owl of the trip.
It had been an amazing 2 nights and 3 days of wildlife watching, and we can't wait to do it all again in the not too distant future.
