Nature enthusiast captures stunning image of short-eared owl in East Lancashire
A nature enthusiast and bird watcher has captured a short-eared owl in flight at the side of the roadside in East Lancashire.
Images supplied to the Lancashire Telegraph Camera Club by ShutterV1sion show the elegant bird flying alongside their vehicle.
Whilst not endangered, this sighting is becoming increasingly rare, with between 610 and 2,140 pairs left in the UK.
This has meant they have been placed on the Amber-list of bird conservation concern.
ShutterV1sion, who also captured images of Golden Plovers, said: 'Well, didn't expect to see a pair of Golden Plovers at the side of the road while driving to go for a walk.
'Pulled up the car and sat watching them for a few minutes as they just pottered around at the side of the road and then carried on down the road to find a short-eared owl flying by the side of the car. I'll certainly be going down that road again.'
With luminous golden eyes and black eyeshadow, the bird is considered one of the most stunning owls in the UK.
Short-eared owls have mottled brown bodies with pale underwings and yellow eyes.
To spot one, they tend to be in moorland, dunes and heathland and mostly breed in northern England and Scotland.
Whilst they mostly feed on small mammals, especially field voles, they are also known to eat small birds, particularly in winter.
Sadly, the birds are routinely shot on driven grouse moors, and the RSPB has a dedicated investigations team to work to stop their persecution.
READ MORE: Rare bird which is becoming increasingly threatened in the UK spotted in East Lancs
READ MORE: Nature enthusiasts treated to sighting of 'rare bird' over the Lancashire coast
Additionally, the British Trust for Ornithology are also doing work through Project Owl to get a better understanding of their habitat use and year-round movements.
They are considered a medium-sized owl and are approximately 34-42cm in length and have a wingspan of 90-105cm.
Whilst they are mostly found in Orkney, the Uists and in the Pennines they are regular visitors to the lowlands of Lancashire.
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