Short Eared Owl mortality rates

[KentYeti]

Very upsetting to read of two dead SOEs being found on Oare Marshes in the last few days.

It's not an Owl I've started a detailed study of yet, but I suppose they are little different from Barn Owls. Where mortality rates are very high amongst each years new ones. Starvation as they learn to hunt for themselves and being hit by cars and trains as well.

I'm guessing it gets worse for SOEs because of the long migration flights they have just made?

Any additions/corrections to the above very welcome.

Very Sadly,

Bryan

[Littlesparrow]

That is sad Brian, i only found out recently about the problems juvenile short eared owls have finding a new territory and enough food and that was only because a friend had volunteered his barn for Barn owl rehoming. His owls dispersed very quickly into the countryside, fingers crossed they made it.

[JeffH]

Yes, that's very sad to hear Bryan

As to S-eO mortality rates, studies have shown that "....despite the attention of both parents, only about 50% of the young hatched survive to fledging (Howard and Griffith 1994)".

Thereafter, longevity will depend on many varying factors and the oldest S-eO recorded in the UK (based on BTO ringing data) is just over 6 years 7months.

For more information on longevity of S-eOs in general see here -

Natural History of the Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus flammeus in North America - The Owl Pages

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

[MetalMoth]

This thread reminds me of a photo I saw recently of a dead Short-eared owl. See the link below to it. An incredibly sad photograph.

Dead Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[aeshna5]

Do you know the cause of death for these 2 SEO Bryan?

[KentYeti]

Not yet. One was passed on by the finder to someone who I guess will find out. No obvious reasons seen by the finder. The other was already being eaten by other birds!

But I was at Oare Marshes this morning and watched another SEO hunting. Also met Ukwildlifeo at last! I do hope you got to Capel Fleet this afternoon as three SEOs were hunting from quite early in the afternoon, and "playing" with the resident Kestrel! They totally ignored the shoot that was going on close by.

I'm gonna have to come to terms with hearing of and even finding dead Owls with my close interest still growing. It's nature and it happens. Still made me quite sad, they are such beautiful creatures.

And Jeff. I know the lifespans of the wild owls can be so, so short. That's one reason I am so pleased I have found and enjoyed the two well run conservation centres I visit. The birds can have a very long life indeed. And they get to fly as well quite often.

Cheers,

Bryan

PS. That photo is awful.