Probably our commonest owl which can be encountered almost anywhere where there are trees. There is no reason to suspect a change in the population locally.

Fieldwork carried out by one local birder (PR) gave a good indication of breeding success, the findings are as follows: Middleton Woods (predated), Nell Bank Wood (one young), Dob Park Wood (three), Acrecliffe (three), Carleton (four), Menston (two) and Lady Walk Wood (two pairs bred and with one infertile).

In addition to this direct evidence of breeding young were seen at came from Esholt (two), Timble Ings (two) and Sword Point plantation (two).

At one site this species appears to living quite harmoniously alongside the local Long Eared Owl population.

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.

As a nocturnal species, this owl is less well-recorded than its diurnal congeners. There were nevertheless reports from 24 locations, including several from urban areas, and birds were heard or seen in every month but December. A bird seen in a Halifax garden on 22nd April had apparently been present for six months.

This was a much better breeding season than in 2004. There was confirmed breeding at Nell bank, Carlton Wood, Middleton Woods, Luddenden Dean, Ellar Ghyll, Dob Park, Pond House, Thruscross and Menston. In all, ten nests were located, and from these at least fourteen young were raised, of which thirteen were ringed.