Short-eared Owl on the Moors

Short-eared owl on the moor The Short-eared Owl is one of the most thrilling wildlife sights on the moors, often seen quartering low over rough grassland and open heath in broad daylight. Unlike most owls, it hunts during the day as well as at dawn and dusk, using buoyant, moth-like wingbeats as it glides and twists over the land in search of voles and small mammals.

With long wings, a pale underbody and distinctive dark patches at the “wrist” of each wing, it can look almost ghostly in fading light. Its round face and bright yellow eyes can sometimes be seen clearly when it turns towards you mid-flight.

Short-eared owls favour wild, open landscapes with plenty of rough vegetation and prey, making parts of Dartmoor, Exmoor and Bodmin Moor ideal hunting ground. They often fly a set route, repeatedly sweeping the same patch of moor as they listen and watch for movement below.

In spring, males perform dramatic display flights—climbing, wing-clapping and diving to impress females and defend territory. In winter, sightings can increase as birds move south or gather in favoured hunting areas.

If you see one in golden evenin