Recently a few images have appeared online of the Haverton long-eared owl adopting an erect, slender stance with vertical ear tufts, a posture adopted by an alert bird as a result of disturbance whilst at its day roost. Can we please refer people to the Voluntary Guide for Wildlife Photographers http://www.teesmouthbc.com/Main/VolGuide.aspx (http://www.teesmouthbc.com/Main/VolGuide.aspx) which is listed on the Teesmouth Bird Club Website. Although tailored for photographers the text still carries relevance for the general wildlife enthusiast out in the field.
The long-eared owl has been admired by hundreds of people so far this winter, many observing the species for the first time. With the cooperation of visitors this bird, one of our winter highlights, could be enjoyed by hundreds more.
When possible the long-eared owl roost is manned by our Volunteer Saltholme Guides, please ask at reception to see if a guide is on owl duty on the day of your visit.
Many thanks,
The Saltholme Team
Regular visitors to the reserve will be aware of a newly created viewpoint overlooking a regular roosting location for our wintering long-eared owl. At the same time of installing the viewpoint a couple of barriers were created to provide a refuge area for the roosting birds.
It was very disappointing to discover this morning that some visitors had forced their way through a bramble patch creating a trail directly to the roosting spot. Needless to say there were no owls visible from the viewpoint today. In addition to last years post above can I please ask visitors to remember to put the birds' interests first!
A link to the RSPB Birdwatchers' Code can be found here: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/birdwatching/the-birdwatchers-code/ (https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/birdwatching/the-birdwatchers-code/)
Thank you for your cooperation,
The Saltholme Team