Little Owl

[darylp]

Hi there

I have just stumbled on a owl nesting box in my locality, and I believe I saw a Little owl in the branches adjacent to the box. From what I've read so far if the owls have nested in the box their offspring will already have fledged. Do little owls tend to, a) continue to roost in or near there chosen nest box, and b) if not will they return to the box in following years.

Im on the prowl for photos, and just want to ensure its worth spending a few hours plus in my boil in the bag hide to get them!!

Thanks

Daryl

[burhinus]

Hi

They usually are quite faithful to site and the adults should stick around all winter. They do like sunbathing so bright sunny days are good without the inconvenience of foliage on the trees.

Good luck
burhinus

[rogpow]

Hi Daryl,

Yes, the youngsters should have fledged by now. Those at the nest just down the road from me left a few weeks ago.

The adults usually stay near the nest site all year and as burhinus says, you can often see them in the daytime perching nearby, sunning themselves - about 9-10am seems to be the favoured times at the sites I visit.

They and their offspring will often stay faithful to nest sites for long periods. I know of one nest site in an old tree that has been used for at least the last 25 years.

Rog