Covid – 19
In light of the unprecedented spread of Coronavirus, we at Wirral Barn Owl Trust have had to suspend all activities for the foreseeable future. As frustrating as this is for us, we have a responsibility to our members, landowners and anyone we may come into contact with to heed the advice of HM Government and refrain from uneccessary outdoor activity.
It is evident from watching the live stream from our Nest Box Cam that the breeding season is well underway and we hope we shall see the fruits of that activity soon.
By tuning in to our live stream you will hopefully be able to watch the female laying her eggs, the hatching and arrival of the chicks.
Also a reminder that you can also follow us on Social media, on Twitter @wirralbarnowls and on Facebook at Wirral Barn Owl Trust.
Regards
Neil Eaton
SIGHTINGS
As the lockdown continues the need for Barn Owl sightings becomes ever more important to us, so when the restrictions are lifted, and we can get back to monitoring we have a better undersanding of where to start.
WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW
- Exact Location
- Time & Date
- Behaviour, hunting, perched, carrying prey etc.
- Flight direction
With just a brief view, it’s not always easy to absorb every detail of the sighting. Any information of the sighting would be most welcome.
Would you please contact us through the website and complete/submit the ‘sighting form’ in the Barn Owls tab.
Of course we are not advocating that you leave home to look for Barn Owls, but some of you may be fortunate enough to have nest boxes on your land, may hear the distinctive screeching/hissing noise they make, or you may see one in flight.
May I thank you in advance for any information you forward and hopefully we will be back monitoring in the not to distant future.
Stay safe
Neil Eaton
VOLUNTEERING
The Wirral Barn Owl Trust are constantly seeking volunteers who can assist the group in a number of ways, volunteers are vital to the continued growth and success of the Trust. There are a number of areas were your help could make a difference:
Nest Box construction
Basic DIY skills are desirable but not essential, all equipment, tools and materials are supplied.
Nest Box monitoring
The trust have numerous nest boxes throughout the Wirral that require observation.
Special projects
Barn Owl nest box installation, maintenance and replacement. Staffing displays at events, marketing and publishing.
DCF 1.0
If you are interested in volunteering please complete the form below with as much detail as possible and we will contact you.
Thank you in advance.
FIRST EGG OF THE YEAR
The resident female Barn Owl that can be viewed from our live stream (Nest Box Cam) has produced the first egg of the year, on average she will lay her eggs every two days and will have clutches of between 5 – 8.
The first view of the egg can be seen on the extended clip via the link at:
The female will be mostly in the box now, only leaving for brief periods, whilst the male will bring prey for her. For help with identification the male has a ring on his left leg and the female has not been rung.
If you continue to watch our live stream you will be able to follow the full cycle from egg through hatching, development and eventually fledging.
We hope you enjoy following our resident Barn Owls.
Regards
Neil Eaton