A Morning with Little Owls at Staffordshire Wildlife Hides

There’s something unforgettable about locking eyes with an owl. It’s not just the stare — intense, unblinking — but the mystery behind it. And when the owl in question is a Little Owl, perched in the morning light on a gnarled old tree, it feels like you’ve stepped into a secret world.

I had the chance to spend the morning photographing one of Britain’s smallest (and most charismatic) owls at the Staffordshire Wildlife Hides, and it’s an experience I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

A Hidden World in the Heart of Staffordshire

It’s 6:45am when I arrive at the private nature reserve. The sun is just rising, natures playing its morning tune, and the journey in already feels wild — deer bounding across open fields, birds of prey hovering along the track, and a long stretch of woodland that seems to swallow you whole. This is not your average shoot location.

I’m here to visit a temporary hide setup created by Tim, the owner and wildlife guide behind Staffordshire Wildlife Hides (Instagram). These hides are focused on a pair of Little Owls that Tim discovered — almost by accident — nesting in an old, twisted tree on the reserve.

Rather than rushing to publicise them, Tim did what few photographers do: he waited. Weeks of quiet observation, studying their behaviour and making sure they weren’t disturbed. Only once he was sure they were comfortable did he open the hide — strictly limited to just a couple photographers at a time and only a few hours a day, to give the owls their space and hopefully encourage them to nest again next year.

Inside the Hide: Patience, Perches, and the Perfect Lens

After introductions, Tim drives us out to the site in his buggy, winding through the reserve until we arrive at two small, one-person tent hides nestled just metres from the nesting tree. You bring your own tripod, and you’re only allowed one lens to minimise movement. I went for my Sigma 150-600mm Sport, paired with my Canon R7 — a combo that gives me the reach and sharpness needed without swapping gear mid-session.

Once we’re in position, Tim leaves. And then, the silence begins.

But not for long.

The Action Begins

Sometimes, wildlife photography is about waiting. Hours in stillness, staring through a viewfinder, hoping for just one shot.

This wasn’t one of those days.

Within minutes, the Little Owls were out, flitting between perches, pausing to preen, bobbing their heads as they surveyed the clearing. Over the next four hours, I lost count of how many times they came and went from the nest. We even got to witness interactions with other birds, territorial stand-offs, curious glances, and moments of calm.

They were full of character — bold, alert, and surprisingly active in the early light. Every perch offered a new pose, and every minute brought something worth capturing.

And just when we thought the session was winding down, a pair of deer trotted through the meadow behind the nest, adding a final dose of magic to an already unforgettable morning.

Why This Hide Stands Out

There are plenty of places to photograph wildlife in the UK — but not many offer what Staffordshire Wildlife Hides do:

• Ethical fieldcraft — putting the welfare of the animals first

• Expert setup — perfect perches, natural light, and minimal disturbance

• Wild experiences — it genuinely feels like you’re stepping into their world, not just photographing a scene

And Little Owls? They’re not easy to come by. Originally introduced to the UK in the 19th century, these birds are now declining in number, partly due to loss of nesting habitat. So to sit just metres away from a wild pair, hearing their calls and watching their behaviour uninterrupted — that’s a gift.

Final Thoughts

We left the hides around 11am. My legs were stiff, my back needed a stretch, and I was already dreaming of food. But none of that mattered. Because what we experienced — just a few metres from one of Britain’s most elusive owls — was something special.

It’s mornings like this that remind me why I do this. Not just for the photos, but for the chance to witness wild lives up close, to feel the pulse of a place waking up, and to share stories that inspire others to look a little closer.

If you ever get the chance to visit Staffordshire Wildlife Hides, don’t hesitate. And if you’re lucky enough to meet the owls — enjoy every second.