A hidden camera has caught amazing footage of a feud between a kestrel and an owl as they vie for control of a prime perch.

The pair have been filmed on several occasions on Carlton Marshes, near Lowestoft.

In one clip, the kestrel - nicknamed Kevin by fans - can be seen on a prominent post, offering commanding views of the landscape.

The short-eared owl - dubbed Owen - then flies directly at him causing Kevin to topple before he regains his balance and his position on the post.

A week later, the pair are seen on an even more dramatic clip, as Owen sits on the perch with vole in his talons.

Kevin then appears in the frame, flying at Owen, who takes evasive action by flying straight up - taking the vole with him.

The camera is operated by Gavin Durrant, a photographer and ranger for the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, which runs the nature reserve.

He has posted the footage on X, or Twitter, along with many photographs of them, including some that show their aerial duels.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Long-distance shot of a Short Eared Owl locking talons with a Kestrel as they hunt over the same area of marsh in November 2023Long-distance shot of a Short Eared Owl locking talons with a Kestrel as they hunt over the same area of marsh in November 2023 (Image: Gavin Durrant)

Beccles & Bungay Journal: A short-eared owl dives into the grass, by Gavin DurrantA short-eared owl dives into the grass, by Gavin Durrant (Image: Gavin Durrant)

Head to head

Short-eared owl:

Length: 34-42cm

Weight: 260-350g

Wingspan: 90-105cm

Diet: Small mammals especially voles.

Habitats: Upland, Marine and Intertidal, Farmland, Wetland, Grassland

Kestrel: 

Length: 32-35cm

Weight: 156-252g

Wingspan: 71-80cm

Diet: Small mammals and birds, worms and insects

Habitats: Urban and Suburban, Farmland, Heathland, Grassland

Beccles & Bungay Journal: A short-eared owl stalks the marshes for prey, by Gavin DurrantA short-eared owl stalks the marshes for prey, by Gavin Durrant (Image: Gavin Durrant)