Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) In the winter of 1993, on a disused air base in Lincolnshire, the population of small rodents had boomed - and the raptors moved in. Late one afternoon I counted 18 Short-eared Owls, 4 Tawny Owls, a Barn Owl and a Little Owl - and then three Hen Harriers arrived! The following day I used the car as a hide and was able to stalk this beautiful bird and get the shot through the long grass, still one of my favourites.