Locations near Downham Market/Kings Lynn area.

[Happysnapper79]

Hello all, I am hoping that somebody on here may be able to help point me in the right direction, literally. I am hoping to get some shots of owls in their natural environment, be it Barn Owls, Little Owls or Short Eared Owls, I have seen the odd Barn Owl flying by the road not far from my house but not often enough that I would consider it a good place to start.

I appreciate that this may take a while and some perseverance to get a good shot which is why I am hoping someone can recommend a location as a starter for ten.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Alastair]

For barn owls try the cut road between the A143 and the A10 near the Thieves Bridge end, and the wet grassland on the far side of the ruins at Bawsey. Both are regular hunting grounds and particularly after wet weather you'll get a pair quartering the ground in the early evening.

 

[rob-nikon]

I would try some of the local nature reserves like Welney and Wicken Fen. Don't forget barn owls are schedule 1 so no photographing at or near any nesting sites.

 

[Happysnapper79]

For barn owls try the cut road between the A143 and the A10 near the Thieves Bridge end, and the wet grassland on the far side of the ruins at Bawsey. Both are regular hunting grounds and particularly after wet weather you'll get a pair quartering the ground in the early evening.

I know this area well so I will go and take a look. Many thanks.

I would try some of the local nature reserves like Welney and Wicken Fen. Don't forget barn owls are schedule 1 so no photographing at or near any nesting sites.

The nature reserves is a great idea. I have no interest in disturbing nesting sites or getting anywhere near their nests, I would much rather photograph them in flight hunting, numbers are fragile enough without any further disturbance.

 

[rob-nikon]

The nature reserves is a great idea. I have no interest in disturbing nesting sites or getting anywhere near their nests, I would much rather photograph them in flight hunting, numbers are fragile enough without any further disturbance.

It's worth reading up on what schedule 1 means. I like hunting images. With wicken fen they can be far away. What lens are you going to be using?

Numbers can vary greatly year on year. I seem to remember 2013 was a really poor year but 2014 was an exceptional year with a huge increase in numbers. Not sure on this year whether it's been good or not.