Barn owls are starving to death because of the cold weather, a wildlife charity has said.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds said the numerous death reports it has received could have 'serious conservation implications'.
Freezing conditions make finding food almost impossible so the birds were dying of starvation in their roosts.
The wildlife charity said the impending second big freeze, expected this weekend and going into next week, will make the situation worse.It appealed for members of the public to watch out for birds they know are roosting. Mark Thomas, RSPB investigations officer, said: 'We have been receiving a growing number of calls from people who have discovered dead barn owls in recent days and we believe it's because they are starving in the cold weather as the icy, snowy conditions make their main food sources like voles and mice much harder to find.
'Although practically there is little that can be done to supplement the diets of barn owls, farmers and members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any sick or injured looking owls to a wildlife rescue centre immediately.
'It's very distressing for both the birds and the people who discover them, as they are beautiful and charismatic species of the British countryside.
'Prompt action could save the life of a starving bird and once they've been fed up they should soon be fit for release back in the original location.'
Barn owls feed on small mammals like voles and mice which in the ice and snow are hidden.
The RSPB said the problem would be worse for barn owls born this year which are not used to hunting in bad weather.
All owl death reports received so far are about barn owls.
The charity believes this is because they typically live close to humans and are easier to spot.
Owls are most commonly seen at dusk, in open country along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. They nest and roost in buildings found near these habitats, such as farm outbuildings and barns.
MailOnline
