The findings from our fieldwork in Duhallow in 2012 is available to read online, or download (see the post below).
A quick summary of the findings...
15 Barn Owl nest boxes were in place for the 2012 breeding season. Four of these were used as roosts, two as nests. (a 40% uptake).
13 sites were recorded as active during survey work in 2011 and nine of these were still active in 2012. Four were abandoned.
12 new Barn Owl nest sites and 14 roosts were discovered in Duhallow during fieldwork in 2012 – a total of 35 active sites. 20 were nests.
Of the 20 nests, the most common sites were derelict farm houses (9), trees (4), castles (2), farm buildings (2) and one each in a modern unoccupied dwelling, an occupied dwelling and a ruined creamery.
The most common nest site type was roof spaces (7), chimneys (6), cavities in trees (4), nest boxes (2) and one in a water tank.
13 (65% of) nests produced young, lower than the national average.
Of 12 sites monitored, the average number of chicks per nest was 2.16, similar to the national average.
The nest box scheme and particularly the Survey highlight Duhallow to be of national significance for the Barn Owl population, holding one of the highest densities per surface area recorded in Ireland.
The results of the monitoring work also showed the vulnerability of the local population and the necessity for continued and strategic monitoring as well as further implementation of effective conservation measures to help maintain the status of the Barn Owl in Duhallow.
Download the full version, below.
