Barn Owl at Amwell. 3rd April 2021

One or possibly two Barn Owls had been regularly showing well at Amwell, though in the evening, one was not showing until it was nearly dark. A couple of weeks ago I managed to see one at first light nearer to Holycross Road, but this time decided to try the field by the railway line. Sure enough as I arrived around 6.30am one was showing in the field though it was quite dark and fairly distant. It disappeared for a while before coming back for some closer sorties.

I watched it hunting and diving and it was successful at least twice. Just superb to watch it in action!

I was pleased to get a couple of flight shots with it carrying prey, coming straight towards me.

What I didn't expect was for it to land just 10 yards in front of me on a post! Heart racing, and trying to stay calm I manged to shoot off quite a few pictures as it initially had no idea I was there.

It then realised I was there and gave me a hard stare before flying off to a tree to finish off its prey. I initially thought this was a Bank Vole, but now am certain is a Common Shrew.

Certainly a wonderful Easter Saturday treat!