Rainham Marshes - Short-eared Owl

The Short-eared Owls were a joy to watch as they quartered the center of the reserve between the shore path and Aveley Pools.  It was mid-afternoon on Halloween, but despite the sunshine, the high cloud created an eerie feel to a cool autumn day.  A light mist hovered ghoulishly above the reed beds as the ghostly movements of the Owls patrolled the sinister marshland.

A flock of Lapwing, with 10 Dunlin, 17 Golden Plover and a Curlew were spooked from Purfleet Scrape, and a pair of Stonechat appeared over the reeds, before apparating into thin air.

A chill began to descend over the reserve, but we left the Owls to conjure up a few morsels before light began to creep toward darkness...