Rare Owls Arrive in Leicestershire

Bird-watchers have been gathering at the Hicks Lodge National Forest Cycle Centre in Leicestershire to spot rare feathered visitors.

Five short-eared owls have taken up temporary residence after the Forestry Commission's centre, near Ashby de la Zouch.

The species is uncommon in the county and has only been seen at a few sites.

Forester Alan Dowell said: "The birds arrived earlier in the winter and it wasn't long before birders were sending us reports and turning up with binoculars, cameras with long lenses and telescopes.

"They have been seen flying at either end of the day hunting forvoles and mice. It shows that we are getting things right here in the National Forest. "

The RSPB estimate there could be up to 3,500 breeding pairs of short-eared owls in the UK and they are on the 'Amber List' because of conservation concerns.

They primarily breed in northern England and Scotland, butthey are seen further south in the winter.

The Forestry Commission say this winter has been a particularly good year for visiting birds.