Tough times for Barn Owls

[Bobbie Ireland]

I am assuming the situation in Ireland must be similar. Also - hate those rat poisons!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12463744

[BIGFRANK]

Indeed the situation is tough in northeastern North America. Ontario where I live in Canada there is only one known breeding pair of Barn Owls left. The population has never been huge,they just cant survive our terrible winters. Temperatures every year reach as cold as minus 40 with windchills any given winter. The Barn Owl recovery team would consider 20 breeding pairs as recovered. That said cold effects Barn Owls badly,they can however withstand cold reasonably well if they have good shelter and refuge from the wind. The captive Barn Owl which the Canadian Peregrine Foundation houses was given special attention in recent cold snaps as Shamus does always over winter months. He is regularily taken off display and kept warm and comfortable as often as necessary,no chances are taken. Wild Barn Owls dont have that luxury. Places that are getting snow and cold this winter that generally dont would mean another challange for Barn Owls...finding food! Lets hope the worst is over now and our feathered friends survived without terrible loses.

[Bobbie Ireland]

Two good posts there today, BigFrank! Wish there were something we could all do for these magical owls. Not using rat poisons is obvious - but food is another issue.

Slainte!

Bobbie

[MAK]