I already spotted the short eared owl on my way to the waterfall above Gibson´s Cave. On the way back she was circling near the road and although it started raining I managed to get a few good shots. 

One evening I took photos from the top of the road between Westgate and Newbiggin I spotted an owl on the way down. I saw her land in a field about 20 yards from the road. I got out of the car and sneaked towards the wall hoping to get a shot of her in the distance. When I got up it was exactly the moment she appeared above me. She must have flown towards the wall while I was sneaking towards it from the other side. I could have touched her with my hands! She did not notice me because she was desperately trying to stabilise in the strong wind. I tried to take a photo but the lens would not focus because I was too close. When the shutter finally went she heard it, saw me, got a fright, came off balance and landed just 2 yards in front of me. I could just get that one shot of her before she took off. 

I came back the next evening to the same place. Again she came but she circled and kept watching me and stayed far away. When she finally settled in a tree I could get another shot of her. I was really happy and left her to be able to catch her diner in peace and quiet.