Winter mortality

Whilst visiting a local farm this evening I found the remains of an unringed male owl. Many, many Barn Owls do not manage to survive their first Winter and estimates suggest that this figure can be as high as 70% of juvenile birds.

Reacquaintance

A bit of routine box maintenance this morning resulted in me finding this first year female bird. She had travelled 6km south from Dresbury where I had ringed her as a chick last June. She is now roosting with a male bird in readiness for the new breeding season. Her box contained fresh prey and she looked in really good health.
It is always pleasing to find birds that have managed to survive their first Winter.

Barn Owl cam

Here is a link via Wildlife Whisperer to a live Barn Owl cam;


http://www.wildlifewhisperer.tv/live-cams/703