Short-eared Owl by Aaron Wilkinson

 

 

It's been an excellent winter for Short-eared Owl, with high numbers present across the country and the species having featured twice already as POTW this season. There's little left to say about just how beautiful and often photogenic this species is, so it's over to Aaron Wilkinson's sensational image to do the talking. Coming face to face with the owl like this, it is impossible not to stare back into those piercing yellow eyes. Capturing the owl in a brilliant pose just as it takes flight, Aaron has also got lucky with the bird's choice of a characterful, weather-worn wooden post, which adds to the overall image. Neat post-processing, including a great portrait crop, makes this a Short-eared Owl image to remember. Aaron must've been absolutely thrilled with this close encounter when out in the field and even more chuffed with the quality of the shots he managed. Congratulations!

 

Other notable images

 

Common Kestrel, Bempton Cliffs RSPB, East Yorkshire (Tom Hines).

Red-breasted Goose, Keyhaven Marshes, Hampshire (stephen payce).

Bewick's Swan, Slimbridge WWT, Gloucestershire (Jonathan Bull).

Grey Wagtail, Harmondsworth, London (Joe Downing).

Waxwing, Halkyn, Flintshire (Richard Stonier).

White-tailed Eagle, undisclosed, Hokkaidō (Barrie Cooper).

Long-tailed Tit, North Cave Wetlands YWT, East Yorkshire (Paul Bateson).

Hawfinch, Sizergh Castle, Cumbria (Sam Northwood).

Common Snipe, Hermaness NNR, Unst, Shetland (Robbie Brookes).

Western Marsh Harriers, Westhay Moor NNR, Somerset & Bristol (Steve Clare).

Common Goldeneye, Queen Elizabeth II CP, Northumberland (Frank Golding).

Bufflehead, Trongisvágur, Suðuroy, Faroe Islands (Silas Olofson).

Bewick's Swan, Slimbridge WWT, Gloucestershire (Alannah Ruthen).

Lesser Yellowlegs, Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire (Nick Truby).