Rounding a bend on our lane, we saw an animal sitting upright in the middle of it, intent on something further on. In the headlights we could see it was a small rabbit. It showed a grey back and looked to be about 18-20 inches tall. As we drove nearer it revolved its head and lifted into the air, as if on invisible strings - an owl. It was impressively large with broad wings and appeared to be grey to brown. Could it have been a short-eared owl, or are they active only by day?
Breff and Mags Scally, Bridgetown, Co Wexford
Short-eared owls usually hunt in daylight but they are very rare visitors to this country. It was more likely to be a long-eared owl which, although not common are found in the east and south-east.
Edited by Michael Viney who welcomes observations sent to him at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo. Email: viney@anu.ie (E-mails should include a postal address.)