Short-eared owls on Orkney

Short-eared owls on Orkney are one of the magical experiences that these islands bring. In some parts of the UK ‘shorties’ are seasonal visitors arriving in late autumn and staying until late February, often moving as food supplies run low. In contrast, shorties are year-round residents in Orkney and can frequently be seen sitting on posts or hunting across moorland like you would see buzzards or red kites in other parts of the UK.

This guide will help you understand their behaviour and where they can be seen to ensure you stand the best chance of seeing them on your Orkney trip.

Short-Eared Owl basics

Short-eared owls (Asio flammeus) have unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in diverse environments. Their distinctive appearance, varied diet, and ground-nesting behaviour set them apart from other owls.

Appearance

Short-eared owls are striking birds with distinct features that make them easily recognisable. They are one of the five native owl species found in the UK. They have a medium-sized build, with a wingspan ranging from 85 to 110 cm and a body length of about 34 to 43 cm. These owls are named for their short ear tufts, which are often hidden. Their plumage is a mix of brown, buff, and white, providing excellent camouflage in their natural habitats. Their facial disc is pale with dark eye patches, giving them a fierce expression. Their eyes are bright yellow, surrounded by black rings, adding to their distinctive look.

Diet

Short-eared owls have a varied diet that primarily consists of small mammals. Voles, mice, and shrews are their main prey, but they will also eat small birds and insects when necessary. They are skilled hunters, often seen flying low over open fields and grasslands, searching for movement. Using their keen eyesight and hearing, they can locate prey even in low-light conditions. They hunt primarily at dawn and dusk, but can also be active during the day, especially in winter or in areas with longer daylight hours. In Orkney, they have a ready diet of voles and will hunt throughout the day as there is minimal darkness in the summer months.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of short-eared owls begins with courtship and breeding, which takes place in late winter to early spring. Males perform elaborate flight displays to attract females. Once paired, the female lays 4 to 7 eggs in a simple nest on the ground, usually in a well-hidden spot among tall grass or reeds. The eggs hatch after about 24 to 29 days of incubation by the female. The chicks are covered in white down and are cared for by both parents. They fledge, or leave the nest, at around 4 to 5 weeks old but remain dependent on their parents for a few more weeks as they learn to hunt.

Preferred Habitats

Short-eared owls are highly adaptable and can be found in open habitats. They prefer grasslands, marshes, moorlands, and agricultural fields where their prey is abundant. During the breeding season, they favour areas with dense grass or vegetation that provides good cover for nesting. In winter, they may move to coastal areas, lowland fields, or even urban fringes where food is more accessible.

Where to see short-eared owls

Short-eared owls can appear anywhere at any time around.  There are about 70 pairs over the whole of Orkney.  They spend the spring and summer in the hills moving to lowland rough grass and heather in the autumn and winter.  Some migrate for the winter but they can still be seen throughout the year across Orkney.

Just keep looking at grassy hillocks and fence posts as you drive around the islands. They prefer low grass and are often seen across the moors in the west Mainland, in the east of the Mainland beyond the airport and on the smaller islands.

Threats to short-eared owls on Orkney

Short-eared owls in the Orkney Islands face several threats that impact their survival and breeding success. One of the primary threats comes from changes in farming practices. The intensification of agriculture has led to the loss of suitable nesting sites and hunting grounds. Modern farming often involves the removal of hedgerows and the change of fields from rough grasslands into arable fields, reducing the habitat available for these ground-nesting birds.

Changes in the landscape also pose significant risks. Development and land-use changes can lead to habitat fragmentation, making it harder for short-eared owls to find safe nesting sites and sufficient food. Wetland drainage and the development of the islands further encroach on their habitats, disrupting their traditional nesting and hunting areas. Increased traffic and the development of wind farms can also threaten their habitats and survival on the islands.

A particularly pressing threat to short-eared owls in Orkney is the introduction of stoats. Stoats are not native to the islands and have been preying on the nests of short-eared owls, eating their eggs and young. This predation pressure can significantly reduce breeding success and owl population numbers. Moreover, stoats also prey on Orkney voles, a key food source for the owls. The decline in vole populations due to stoat predation exacerbates the food scarcity for short-eared owls.

To address these issues, the Native Wildlife Project on Orkney has been working to control the stoat population and protect native species. This project includes measures such as trapping and removing stoats, as well as habitat management to support the conservation of short-eared owls and other native wildlife. By mitigating these threats, the project aims to create a safer environment for the short-eared owls and ensure their continued presence in the Orkney Islands.

SEO mobbed by swallows on sanday

You know it’s a bad day when swallows are mobbing you!  Add to that intermittent downpours and consistent drizzle and I can understand why this short-eared owl on Sanday appeared fed up.

Sat in a field on a hillock of grass, the swallows diving initially caught my attention.  Time and again they were swooping down, always bombing the same spot.  Slowly my eyes adjusted and I saw the short-eared owl.  

Looking fed up he was being consistently mobbed by these swallows, guarding their nearby nests and young from this perceived predator.  Ducking as they swooped nearby, constantly scanning the sky for the next incoming fly-past he just sat there and accepted the onslaught.

Eventually, he decided to move on.  Lifting off the swallows followed him.  They allowed him to settle on a fence post before starting their attack all-over again.