Long Eared, or Short Eared Owl?

[Stormdame]

Hi,
These pics were taken at 10.30am, on 10 december 2011, in the Shetland Isles (in a place called Twatt - it IS a real place - honest). We can't decide whether it is a long eared, or shot eared owl. Can anyone help?
Thanks

[Jersali]

Hello Stormdame,
welcome to WAB

I was looking also at the habitat but it looks like a Long Eared Owl to me.
I would expect them to be more difficult to see during the day, though I have seen one hunting in daylight hours
Great stuff
Al

[Adam Cheeseman]

It's a Long-eared Owl.

Cheers,

Adam

[Dogghound]

Agree long eared, migrants and wintering birds are often seen during the day.

[faz]

hi welcome to WAB its a long eared owl

[Stormdame]

I thought it was a Long Eared Owl, also, but couldn't be sure because, at first glance, the habitat seemed more suited to the Short Eared Owl. Think that just about comfirms it,tho.
Many thanks, ever one, who answered.

[Stormdame]

...lol...defo life on mars (bar)

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by Stormdame

the habitat seemed more suited to the Short Eared Owl.

Habitat should only be used as a rough guide and is perhaps more useful during the breeding season when these birds are more selective. Lots of birds can turn up in less typical habitat outside of the breeing season. Short eared and long eared owl are both migrant species and will turn up where they are not expected. They both forage in principally the same habitat of open rough grassland which is not overgrazed and has at least two years growth. They both breed and often roost in different habitats though. Long eared can winter in quite open habitat (and breed) provided there are some dense thickets, scrub or hedgerows they are not as restrictd to woodland as some suggest, and have eve been recorded breeding in isolated trees.

[The Woodman]

I note Orkney has a Twatt, too.