Via Chris Griffiths -
2013 has proven to be another bad year for the Barn Owl in
Montgomeryshire. Only 14 known pairs bred producing 49 owlets. The last time a
figure as low as 14 pairs was recorded in the county was in
1994.
The severe snows during March proved to be fatal. Deep
snow lay on the ground for up to 3 weeks and the owls were simply unable to
hunt.
Every pair of birds that did breed this year, did so to the
West of Caersws, in the lower altitude areas of the county towards the coast.
Not a single pair was confirmed breeding to the East.
On a positive note (we have to remain positive) a fledging
rate of 3.5 is very encouraging. Also the dry, warm summer will have helped the
dispersing owlets to hunt alone and reach suitable body weights before winter
sets in.
May I once again take this opportunity to thank all
landowners and thank all the public for reporting your Barn Owl sightings over
the last 12 months
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