Owl surprise at Fisher Row

On Wednesday 6th May, at around 6pm, I cycled to Fisher Row, just over the railway line I heard and saw 2 newly arrived Whitethroats and by the narrow dyke walk just past the bowl, by the start by the big bush a Willow Warbler was seen. Walking around anti- clockwise the river walk I just past the south- west bend in the river and approaching the tea gardens when I was amazed to see a Short- eared Owl fly out past a bush and right out in the open almost by the path then it flew back in again and disappeared. So pleased to see this having failed to see them anywhere this year before Lockdown. Seen well it was bigger, long winged than the normal Barn Owls seen with brown barred wings. Not to be out done slightly later accompanied by Rob H we had the smaller Barn Owls one more golden coloured and 1 browner with the silky white underparts. Wh heard a cuckoo on N&S Rede fen, but we didn't see it sadly. Meeting a young birding couple from CEFAS Paul & Sarah was good, a Barn Owl flew towards us on Pulton Marshes and as we walked back we heard a close reeling Grasshopper Warbler (having heard 3 earlier) but it remained hidden. I cycled back along Camps Heath road and it was getting dark, I was joined by a charming loft of Pipistrelle Bats probably at least 6 seen.