Long-eared Owls are found right across Europe and into Asia. The Long-eared Owl is one of the few owls that undertakes long distance journeys. Most of our resident birds are sedentary, especially towards the west of the UK but in the east, varying numbers of birds come from continental Europe, as far afield as Finland, visiting for winter. A nocturnal hunter, small rodents are the main prey of Long-eared Owls although they will take other small mammals and even small birds. Despite being a bird of woodland, much of its prey is found in open grassland and other open habitats. This Long Eared Owl was hiding amongst some small dense shrubbery. Very difficult to spot and well camoflaged. Harder still, to get a decent image.
Location: Elmley nature reserve, Isle of Sheppey, Kent
Photographer: Dave Saunders