The Lincolnshire Bird Club

I thought I would pay the Folkingham Great Grey Shrike another visit before it moves on ....... as they always do. ( I last connected with it on 27th December. ) I spent an enjoyable hour and a half there today (Sat) (12.15 - 1.45) in the company of an old birding friend from Metheringham,Peter S. and his Dad, Steve, with occasional other birders calling by...especially with the question, " Is it still about ?" It most certainly was 'still about', but not as close as we would have wished. It spent a lot of time roaming well to the left of "The Range" (=the house with the blue lights") to well to the right, as far as the Farm Shop. Most of the views were distant but finally we saw it much closer to, perched on a low Hawthorn, near the Farm Shop. Also, 2 Red Kites circling above and drifting slowly away.

We next agreed to RV at Dorrington Fen, where a couple of days ago BirdGuides had reported 4 Short-eared Owls. I arrived at the Fen at 2.30 and the action really began for us about 20 minutes later. The next 40 minutes were spent with us watching just one SEO after another with up to 5 being seen in the air at the same time ....and all happening quite close, in bright sunshine, and so in excellent light. : an absolute feast for the eyes of this SEO admirer, and eclipsing any SEOfest in any other location so far this winter. On one occasion, 2 SEOs 'dive-bombed' a Buzzard perched at the top of a Hawthorn, immediately followed by another 2 doing the same... To its credit the Buzzard didn't budge......( Location : on Dorrington Fen where the Dorrington Dike takes a sharp turn by the North Kyme - Dorrington Fen road at TF 130536) (limited parking at the road bend). The Owls were performing mainly along and around the Dike embankment. Pleased to meet up again with local birder, Derek Pell. As I left the site at 3.30pm, the SEOs were still active. NOTE. : a main 'plus' in birding today was the complete absence of any noticeable wind....a great bonus !

Freddy

I drove through Dorrington Fen, (DF) about 2pm and saw a couple of Kestrels but nothing else, went on to watch a Barn Owl at Timberland Fen and then came back through DF about 4pm, stopped and looked along drain exactly at point you described but nothing about, such is birding!

Oliver

Oliver,
The SEOs didn't show until 2.50pm and I left at 3.30. Obviously, on your return run at c 4.00pm, Peter, his Dad and local birder Derek Pell had all left, too. Perhaps if you had parked up for a time rather than for a short stop you might have had better luck. Sometimes, however, SEOs have the habit of showing well for a period and then lying low until the next action perhaps an hour or so later. Anyway, I'm sure the SEOs are going to be showing for quite some time yet so good luck on your next visit (around 3pm and, hopefully, some sunshine might just be right )

Freddy

3 SEOs hunting over the dyke embankment and adjacent fields from about 2.30 today. Stayed there until 3.45 when they were beginning to prefer to post sit at some distance. Thanks for the directions Freddy!

David

David,
Great news that you saw 3 SEOs this afternoon at Dorrington Fen. It's always pleasing after reporting a 'new' location that other members have successful sightings there.......the alternative is quite depressing.
Also from his posted photos nice to see that Trevor Gunby had success with the SEOs at Dorrington Fen today.

Freddy
PS. For members who may have temporary mobility problems and who wish to watch SEOs, the Dorrington Fen site involves no walking at all; you can even watch the Owls from the comfort of your car while eating a late packed lunch. ....it beats Pilates, but don't tell the fitness fanatics.