LEOs

14 Feb - or Long-eared Owls to birders, our rarest and most elusive Owl, very nocturnal unlike its Short-eared cousin. I’ve seen a few, but not for several years, and today I managed to tag on a visit to a well-known roost, it being warm and sunny so a good day for the birds to be visible. On arrival several people had the bushes in their scopes, and 2 birds were visible, quite in the open by LEO standards, with a third bird well hidden. I had time to admire the beautiful cryptic plumage, with the orange facial discs, obvious ear tufts and orange eyes which opened sleepily while one of the birds was preening and enjoying the sun. A very good opportunity to see the overall size, shape and plumage of this special bird - rather too distant for the camera unfortunately but excellent scope views. Also good numbers of Red Kites enjoying the weather, including a flock of 12 over a field being worked.