Long-eared Owl at Burton Mere Wetlands

 Can you see me ?

Roosting Long-eared Owl

A great view of the reserve on the walk to the Owl location

The whole week I'd seen a Long-eared Owl reported at Burton Mere but would it play ball and hold out for my weekend visit as it was a species I'd never seen before. 

Arriving in the car park at around 8.30am the helpful member of staff marked my card as to where the Owl had been roosting. If was definatley a wellington boot type of walk along board and muddy patches. The walk is around 15 minutes if you have your foot down and perhaps 30 if you stop at all the great viewing screen and feeding stations.

Once I reached the railway line I turned left and started scanning all the hedgerows knowing the owl would be well disguised. I found the bird almost to the exact spot I was guided to and this beauty was probably only ten metres away. He didn't seem at all bothered by the coming and going of birders wanting to admire him or in fact the trains that were rushing past him on the other side of the hawthorn bush he was roosting in.

I wondered down to the hide where I observed the Ring-tail Harrier, Shelduck, Water Rail, Black-tailed Godwit, Pintail, Lapwing and a nice flock of Wigeon and Teal. 

Skydancing start to the day

 RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands

 Not quite sky dancing

Ring-tailed Harrier on right of frame

Hen Harrier close up from RSPB

Location map

A good forecast and a potential two lifers up on the Wirral convinced me of an away day on Saturday. An early morning alarm call to watch part of the first game of cricket world cup (England got totally outplayed in every department) before setting off up the M5/M6 to Cheshire. 

Arriving in Burton I headed to my usual spot that looked out over the wetlands. Three large skeins of Pink-footed Geese passed over heading to their feeding grounds whilst I lost count of number of Little Egrets looking for an early meal. The hedgerow behind contained a nice flock of Linnets and Goldfinches.

Then the fun started, not one but two Ring-tailed Hen Harriers came up from the marsh and started hunting. It was superb to watch these rare raptors through my telescope allowing me stunning view. They came together a couple of times showing their amazing agile flying skills. 

It wouldn't be long until these birds headed back to the moorland to try and breed, lets hope they head to an area where they won't get persecuted.

This is a great place to see Hen Harriers and is well worth the drive. From the main visitor centre I managed to watch one of those same ringtails hunt the reeds right in front of the centre.