As 2025 draws to a close, the wildlife photography community has found itself centered on a few remarkable locations and species. This article explores the highlights of the winter season, focusing on the bustling activity at Lunt Meadows and the steady progress of field-based conservation photography.
The Short-eared Owl Craze at Lunt Meadows
Lunt Meadows has recently become a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts, attracting hundreds of photographers daily [00:38]. The primary draw is a particularly cooperative Short-eared Owl, affectionately nicknamed the "Sefton Shorty" [10:49].
Photographers have traveled from as far as the Peak District and Newcastle to catch a glimpse of this specific bird, which is easily identifiable by a distinctive flicked-up feather on its left wing [07:23]. Despite the crowds, the owl has put on spectacular displays, quartering the fields even on dull, overcast days [14:21]. Beyond the famous owl, the area remains a rich habitat for other species, including barn owls, curlew, and snipe [01:24].
Field Updates: The Elusive Kingfisher and Persistent Squirrels
Away from the crowds of Lunt Meadows, dedicated field photography continues to track the local residents of the riverbanks and woodlands.
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The Kingfisher: After a period of "hit and miss" sightings, the resident female kingfisher has been confirmed to still be in the area [05:27]. Capturing her remains a challenge, often requiring high ISO settings (up to 26,000) to get record shots in the dim light of early morning [05:44].
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Woodpeckers: There is positive news for the local population, with two woodpeckers—likely a male and female pair—now active around the feeders [06:06].
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The Squirrel Challenge: Maintaining a bird feeder comes with its own set of logistical hurdles. Recent observations revealed that local squirrels were performing "kamikaze jumps" from nearby trees to bypass traditional ground-based defenses, necessitating a relocation of the feeding stations to a more isolated spot [05:01].
Technology in the Wild
Modern wildlife photography is increasingly reliant on specialized technology to monitor and locate animals without causing disturbance:
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Thermal Imaging: Tools like the Quest H35R thermal binoculars have proven invaluable for tracking owls in flight and spotting camouflaged species like snipe that would otherwise remain invisible to the naked eye [01:38].
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Trail Cameras: Advanced 4G/5G trail cameras are being used to monitor badger and fox dens in real-time [11:53]. These cameras allow photographers to watch animal behavior 24/7, providing data on which holes are active and when the animals are most likely to emerge [12:00].
Looking Ahead to 2026
While the end of the year often brings wet and windy conditions that limit field time, the improvements in weather toward late December have allowed for a final push in bird photography [04:34]. As the community moves into 2026, the focus remains on capturing the natural beauty of these species while fostering a shared passion for wildlife conservation [18:20].
Watch the full update here: Kingfisher Updates and Owl Season Field Photography
