Lovely Barn Owl Sighting

[teknomage]

I know the barn owls are out & about at the moment because I can hear them calling every night when I'm in bed. Last night at about 11pm I'd gone out to put something away in the workshop and heard barn owls calling really loudly. I switched off the workshop light and snuck quitely outside to see a pair of them perched on top of a utility pole about 3 meters away. They were both watching me (eyes glinting in the light from the lounge window) and they stayed like that for over a minute, still calling, before one, then the other glided away over the fields calling loudly. Beautiful birds.

My neighbour was woken recently by a barn owl perched on his bedroom window ledge, calling loudly. Does anyone know why they seem to be so noisy at this time of year? Is it adults and youngsters calling to one another? For a bird that relies on silent flight and hearing to catch it's prey, making so much noise seems to give the game away somewhat!

tekno.mage

[pammosley]

What a wonderful experience for you. I`ve only seen one once & it was magical My guess is the same as yours that the adults are calling to the young. Hope you see them again soon

[JeffH]

Yes - I'd also say that what you are seeing/hearing are family groups prior to the young birds dispersing from the parental home territory, usually within a few weeks of fledging. Enjoy it while you can

Jeff
(Schedule 1 Licence holder for Kingfishers, Barn Owls and Avocets)