Notable Recent Sightings

20/04 Whimbrel 1, Dolydd Hafren
12/04 Black-necked Grebe 1, in breeding plumage, Llyn Coed-y-Dinas
10/01 White Stork 1, photo'd near Llansantffraid, present up to 28 Feb
01/10 Glossy Ibis 1, photo'd by Osprey camera at Cors Dyfi
17/09 Grey Phalarope 1 juv, Red Ridge Centre, Cefn Coch, photo'd
29/05 Pink-footed Goose 1, over Welshpool, photo'd on 09/06
01/05 Red-throated Diver 1, Llyn Clywedog
07/02 Whooper Swan 44, Lake Vyrnwy
31/01 Whooper Swan 51, Haimwood, Llandrinio
   
See Sightings Archive for older records

Sunday, April 11, 2021

Long-eared Owl attacking Osprey

On 6th April, the Dyfi Osprey Project nest camera picked up several attacks by an owl on Telyn, the resident female Osprey, on the perch by the nest. Most comments following views of the footage assumed this was a Barn Owl - a regular visitor to the reserve. But close attention to the underwing (see https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=874095486503045 - especially the attack in slow-mo, shown after the full speed one) shows a short black line on the underwing, but no black tip to the wing. This combination rules out both Tawny and Short-eared Owls, while Barn Owls have a pure white underwing. Further attacks came on 10th April. So, a brilliant record - though Telyn might not agree. Thanks to Emyr Evans for posting the video, and to Iolo Williams for identification input.

4 comments:

  1. Such repeatedly aggressive behaviour suggests that the Long-eared Owl is nesting nearby. The nest cameras (which picked up a Nightingale singing last year) may one day pick up the squeaky-gate call of juvenile Long-eared Owls!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow! Impressive detective work and an exciting record. 😁

    ReplyDelete