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You are here: Home > See and Do > Closer to Wildlife > Bird of Prey Trail > Birds of Prey > Short Eared Owl

Short Eared Owl

The short-eared owl’s habit of hunting during daylight and its preference for open habitats makes this one of the few owl species that is relatively easy to see. This is a bird of the moorland edge and is often seen quartering low over the ground or perched on fence posts in search of prey.

DIET

They specialise on voles and their number will fluctuate from year to year as the vole population’s cycle. However, they do prey on other species and will regularly take items as large as rats, which can weigh as much as the adult owl itself. They also prey on passerine birds such as meadow pipits and will regularly take wader chicks. Due to the absence of voles on Barra, Harris and Lewis, short-eared owls are rarely seen on these Islands.

WHERE TO LOOK

Rolling moorland, moorland edge and young plantations. Short-eared owls Are regularly seen from all the Uist trail locations but the Committee Road, Reuval and Loch Druidibeag are particularly good areas.

WHEN TO LOOK

Short-eared owls are most active during long spring and summer days, in the morning and evening. This is when they are busy feeding broods and will often hunt throughout the day. Although at least some of the population is known to stay on the Uists during the winter, they are elusive, possibly adopting a more nocturnal lifestyle.

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Bird of Prey Trail - Langais

Address

Isle Of North Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS6 5HA

Isle Of North Uist

Beinn Langais is a prominent hill surrounded by vast areas of peatland, freshwater and sea lochs. A short path runs up to an archaeological site with excellent views over the area.

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Bird of Prey Trail - Committee Road

Address

Isle Of North Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS6 5DS

Isle Of North Uist

Surrounded by rolling moorland and young plantations this is a hotspot for hen harriers and short-eared owls. The roadside car park is an excellent vantage point from which to watch.

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Bird of Prey Trail - Rueval

Address

Isle Of Benbecula, Outer Hebrides, HS7 5LY

Isle Of Benbecula

A path runs across Benbecula, through an area of low lying moorland and lochs. This is an excellent area for hen harrier, short-eared owl and merlin during the breeding season.

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Bird of Prey Trail - Loch Sgioport

Address

Loch Sgioport, Isle Of South Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS8 5SN

Isle Of South Uist

Located in the northern end of South Uist, Loch Sgioport is a great placee to spot white-tailed eagles.

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Bird of Prey Trail - Loch Druidibeg

Address

Stilligarry, Isle Of South Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS8 5RS

Isle Of South Uist

This location is on the shore of a large fresh water loch surrounded by moorland with views south over Beinn Mhor, the highest peak in the Uists. Both species of eagle, hen harrier, merlin and short-eared owl are regularly seen here.

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