BARN OWL Tyto alba
Scarce visitor.

A single was noted at Menston in October (KL). At a second site an accumulation of pellets were found in two barns following reports from the local farmer. Nest-boxes have been installed at this and neighbouring farms in the hope of enticing the birds to breed there.

LITTLE OWL Athene noctua
Common resident breeder.

From the records received it appears that the population remains healthy, with a spread of records covering every corner of the group’s recording area. Farmland and moorland edge are favoured habitats in the recording area while the high tops and the urban areas tend to be shunned.

Breeding success appears to be in line with previous years.

TAWNY OWL Strix aluco
Common resident breeder.

Ringing studies showed this to be a particularly poor year for breeding, which ties in with results from throughout the UK. One observer had only two nest boxes where breeding was even attempted, compared to about ten in an average year. Once again, this species seems to live in apparent harmony with a high density of Long-eared Owls at one location.

LONG-EARED OWL Asio otus
Scarce resident breeder.

Even with a very half-hearted breeding survey, this year was still the most successful since BOG was formed. A total of 13 pairs was found, fledging a minimum of 28 young birds between them.

At the main site, pairs were noted duet calling in early spring, and this led to seven pairs breeding, with at least 17 young being located. One of the young birds was ringed.

At another regular breeding area two pairs reared three young, whilst at a site where breeding was noted two years ago, three young were fledged this year.

A new location, near a 1997 breeding site, had two pairs with three and one young respectively, and a further young bird was seen near another new site.(AJ, PR, SR, RS, JLT et al ).

SHORT-EARED OWL Asio flammeus
Scarce breeder and sporadic winter visitor.

The first of the year was at Barden on 4th March. Most birds had vacated the area by early autumn, but October sightings came from Cold Edge Dams, Thornton Moor Reservoir and near Thruscross. As this species is scarce in the area during winter, it was pleasing to see up to four birds in Wharfedale in December.

It was disappointing that from the records there was no proof of breeding from any of the northern moorlands, although birds were present in the usual areas and breeding was strongly suspected. In the south of the area, birds were seen carrying food on the moorland above Oxenhope, suggesting breeding there, and a displaying bird was seen on Warley Moor.