This Short-eared Owl was seen hunting close to the observatory on several occasions and will be one of the highlights of the weekend for many people. It perched and hunted at very close range in excellent light conditions and allowed Adrian Parker to get several superb photos.
It is unlikely that a Short-eared Owl could catch a small passerine in flight, so I suspect that the smaller bird was simply flushed.
Much of the time it flew low over the marsh, sometimes pounching on prey items.
It eventually rose high above our heads and flew off.
All photos copyright Adrian Paker