Short Eared Owls are a species that have, until now, pretty much eluded me. I’ve always had something of a fascination for these birds, they’re spectacular to witness with their large wingspan and piercing eyes. This year there was a large influx of them from further North and Scandanavia. Staines Moor became host to as many as a dozen Shorties, a location only a 30 minute drive from home. I waited for a favourable weather forecast and my luck finally changed, with one of those outings that are few and far between.