Finally, a Short- eared Owl: courtesy of a Norfolk coastal locality

Mid afternoon on Sunday 1st March, a visit to coastal strip in neighbouring Norfolk was long overdue. This locality had been a haunt for wintering SEOs, but initial prospects didn't seem too promising with grey leaden skies and a bit of a breeze. I met a very friendly, helpful and informative dog walker who knew all about the SEOs (he even had a stunning flying pic of a SEO on his phone, now these dog walkers are ones I like!) and directed me a little way of south of where I was by the first ridge seawards up to where the white house was in the distance was the best area for the Owls, there had been 6 but their number had dwindled as winter turned to spring down to 2. He said he would walk the next ridge line and keep an eye onwhere he was just in case he disturbed. I needn't have worried as I walked the marram grass area and one flew up directly in front of me, finally a fine Short- eared Owl for this winter after many unsuccessful previous attempts at various locations. It settled in the valley in full view but didn't stay long and flew a little way north. Another birder appeared to have picked it up, a birder called Paul and I walked the next valley and behind so I didn't disturb the bird. Paul kindly showed me the owl in his 'scope. Other birders soon joined us and we were able to get a little closer and I even managed one or two shots too. Around half a dozen Sky Larks were seen too.