Short-Eared Owl Workshops


Short-eared Owl Days

Short-eared Owl Workshops

Short-eared Owls are commonly seen hunting during the day here in the UK. During the Winter months their numbers can increase greatly with an influx of birds from the continental that spend the winter months here in the UK. I have been fascinated in all owls but the barn and Short-eared Owls are two of my favourite.

Its daylight hunting seems to coincide with the high-activity periods of voles which are its preferred prey. They fly only feet above the ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down on its prey feet-first. Several owls may hunt over the same open area which is amazing to witness and then capture with your camera.

I have many years of experience with these wild owls and I will pass this onto you and all help and guidance with your photography equipment also. Fieldcraft, and using what is around you to blend in is also very important with these owls as they fly really low to the ground offer and can be spooked very easily. I will show and demonstrate some key fieldcraft skills that will help you but more importantly minimise your disturbance in that given area.

I have spent alot of time watching and photographing Short-eared Owls over the years and I’m very lucky to be able to see them during the breeding session within the Peak District. Then during our Autumn/Winter months when they make their way down from the higher moorland habitat they nest in to lowland marsh habitat in several different places around the UK.

The idea of these one day workshops is to help you see and photography these iconic birds among their natural habitat and watch how they hunt and go about their lives. I have two very good strongholds during the Winter months on the North-west coast of the UK and one in central England. During the Spring/Summer months the location is the beautiful Peak District where they nest and bring up their young.

If you’d like to join me on one of these days that I’m running all year round then please see the dates below. I will then let you know which venue is closer to you and meet you there before dawn.

Fitness Level

The walking involved will be over uphill, uneven terrain but mostly flat. Waterproof walking boots are essential. A reasonable level of fitness is required.

Additional Information

The weather in the Peak District is a mixture of mist, fog, snow, rain and sunshine, so appropriate waterproof, warm clothing is necessary. Waterproof housing for your camera and lens covers is a must as rain can be upon you in minutes.

Recommended Kit

You will need to provide your own photographic equipment, a 500mm lens is ideal but a 300mm with convertors should meet your needs A tripod is also essential. The landscape of the Peak District will present you with many opportunities so if you have a wide angle lens then this would also give you a chance to capture some beautiful landscape images

Group Size

1-4 people maximum

Dates

Friday 7th March 2025
Saturday 8th March 2025
Friday 21st March 2025
Saturday 22nd March 2025
Friday 4th April 2025
Saturday 5th April 2025
Friday 18th April 2025
Saturday 19th April 2025
Friday 25th April 2025
Saturday 26th April 2025
Friday 9th May 2025
Saturday 10th May 20225
Friday 23rd May 2025
Saturday 24th May 2025
Friday 6th June 2025
Saturday 7th June 2025
Friday 20th June 2025
Saturday 21st June 2025
Friday 4th July 2025
Saturday 5th July 2025

 

Cost

£350.00 per day, per participant – 1 to 1 ratio

£200.00 per day, per participant – 1 to 2 ratio

£150.00 per day, per participant - 1 to 3 ratio

 

All dates are flexible, should the dates stated not suit you then please email me with your alternative date(s)

Discounted rates for groups of up to four participants are available, email me for more details.

Back to all workshops ...