Time To Get The Shorties On "

Denhall Quay - 5.1.22

Winter is the time to catch up with the "shorties" down on the marsh along the river Dee the and the hot spot at the moment being Denhall Quay a couple of miles further south of the more traditional location for me, the Old Baths at Parkgate.

Not being that familiar with Denhall I always like to check out the location first on the internet maps and as suspected parking is at a premium, so the plan is to arrive mid-morning and enjoy the sites and sounds of the estuary. 

Pink feet Geese, Curlew, Teal, Widgeon and Redshank can easily be heard amongst the cacophony of sound, with the bins Marsh and Hen Harrier can be seen at distance further out on the marsh, but the Short-eared Owls that are the stars of the action today.

Normally the action starts mid-afternoon and the reports are there are up to seven SEO's putting on a show at this location alone, on the marsh as a whole there must be more, twenty, maybe thirty over wintering, who knows !

Most people present appear to be photographers, some at locations along the road some out on the marsh itself, there's quite a bit of debate about photographers being on the marsh but the "togs" are easily matched by the many dog walkers or just walkers looking for somewhere different to walk.

Two o'clock a SEO is on the hunt and it's not long before up to five owls are in the air some meeting and interacting and even calling, you always need a keen eye even watching other "togs" which way thier pointing cameras ensuring you don't miss any of the action. 

Managing a last few images just as the sun is setting over the hills of north Wales it's been another memorable day and good to meet up with some familiar faces. Stay safe.

Short-eared Owl