BARN OWL Tyto albaUncommon resident breeder. Sightings from 2015:
2015
- With 65 records, a third of which referred to breeding birds, it was by far the best-ever year for this evocative species. Reports of individual birds came mainly from areas where breeding was successful or attempted. We are clearly reaping the rewards of the conservation work that has been undertaken by the Group and many other dedicated volunteers. This obviously successful approach has been achieved through the erection of specially designed boxes, in carefully chosen locations, and in co-operation with skilled birders. Perhaps it is no surprise that farmers have approached the Group to erect boxes on their land.
All the records came from Airedale and the north of the area and, for the first time, birds were attracted to Stockbridge and an area above the Worth Valley. Fifteen pairs were identified and 35 young birds were reared, most of them ringed. One pair, found in a box with 14 Goosander eggs, were non-breeders, whilst at another site there was apparently successful breeding but no further information was received.
2016
- This species is currently undergoing a positive transformation in the area, aided by the provision of nest boxes, and which will hopefully continue in the future. No less than 82 reports were submitted, compared to 65 in 2015, which was itself a record at the time. Just 10 years ago in 2006 by comparison, no Barn Owls were seen at all in the recording area!
It was reported from about 30 locations with frequent reports from the Bradup area, Glovershaw, Thruscross Reservoir and Bolton Abbey. Successful breeding, with young raised, whether using nest boxes or natural sites, occurred at Denton Moor, Timble village, Kex Gill and Clifton. At Stockbridge NR, a female laid eggs, but these were unfortunately abandoned and didn’t hatch. Breeding may also have occurred at Marley Hall Farm, Scargill Pasture, Timble Ings, Burley and Addingham.
2017
- The spread of this owl across the area continues, and is matched this year by record breeding successes. More than 15 pairs were found, and with about 73 young, many of which were monitored and ringed. All but three of these records came from Wharfedale and the Washburn Valley, with Airedale having the others, and perhaps indicating things to come.
2018
- In a remarkable turnaround, Barn Owl has gone from having no reports in 2006, to being the best-recorded owl in 2018! At least 66 different adult birds were seen, at 21 sites in Airedale, 11 in Wharfedale, and eight in the Washburn Valley. This was mirrored in breeding successes, comprising seven pairs raising at least seven young in Airedale, and some 60 young from 22 nests in Wharfedale and the Washburn.