The first rare sighting of the Long Eared Owls (Asio Otus), on Bagworth Heath, were first seen in November 2007, by a volunteer ranger and were later confirmed by an LCC ranger on site, of 2 Long Eared Owls (Asio Otus). Bird watchers reported sighting a total of 3 of them for the following few weeks.
It was a very rare sighting in this part of the country and in Leicestershire in general. This species of owl (family: Strigidae) is usually nocturnal and secretive. It's a medium sized owl, with it's main features being it's head feathers (which are not ears, but it's name is derived from these feathers). It's colour is identified by it's buff brown and darker brown streaks and deep orange eyes. It's main food source is small mammals and small birds through the winter.
The last known sighting was on the 21st January 2008. Since then, then has been no confirmed sighting.
The Owl was originally sighted between one of the lakes and the stone path: As you enter Bagworth Heath, park in the car park on the right hand side. Walk back out of the car park and head towards the brick works. On your left you will see a pair of double gates. Go through the entrance to the right of these and continue along the cycle path, until you come across a ditch on the left hand site. The owl(s) were in the trees in this ditch.
The last confirmed sighting was by a volunteer ranger, in a marshy area to the left of the cycle path: Follow the instructions for the original sighting. But instead of walking off the stone path, by the ditch, continue along the stone path, for about half a mile. As the path starts to descend, on the right you should see a meadow and on your left is the marsh where the Long-Eared Owl was last seen. (Approximately grid ref: 460068 on OS Explorer Map 233).
Click here for more general information, on the Long-Eared Owl, from the RSPB Website.
