Barn owls have been using a nesting box, which we put in our dissused milking parlour, for the past 6 years. Each year they lay between 4-6 white eggs and after about 33 days incubation, successfully raise 3-4 young. After ringing, these stunning juveniles fly 9-12 weeks later
The sight of 'Old Hushwing', gliding ghostily over a misty meadow, is an unforgetable sight which seems to excite anyone who sees it. It appears white, in headlights or at night, but in reality its true colour is exquisite. Golden buff with white underparts, its plumage is sprinkled with tiny white teardrops which cascade over golden powder puff feathers, washed with steel-blue silver. There is argueably no other bird which flies with such dreamy ease and possesses such buoyant aerial
grace.
They can be seen over our fields, often in the day at this time of year, as they hunt to feed the young, and from the touring field it is easy to see the adults flying to and from the entrance hole in the parlour roof.
The young really are 'ugly ducklings' with fluff, fat tummies and strange faces. When being handled, for ringing, adults and young are very docile and can even 'nod off' on the hand!
Barn owls were once much more common than they are today. Their decline is something of a mystery, for it began long before some other birds of prey were affected by the build-up of chemical pesticides originally sprayed on crops. One theory is that as farming becomes more efficient there are fewer abandoned farm buildings and hollow trees for them to use as natural nesting/breeding sites. It is so important, therefore, to provide boxes in suitable places for them.
Each year the owls are ringed, weighed and measured and this service is provided by Tony Cross of The Welsh Kite Trust to whom we are indebted for his expert support.
The Welsh Kite Trust was set up in 1996 and has worked tirelesly to ensure this stunning bird's safe future. The Trust is almost entirely run on "Friends of the Welsh Kite" sponsorship. In return for a very modest annual donation 'Friends' receive a colour booklet, packed with facinating information, an enamel lapel badge and car window sticker. Twice a year a newsletter is sent out detailing the Trust's latest developments, breeding reports etc.
We urge you to become a 'Friend' and details can be obtained from: Tony Cross, The Welsh Kite Trust, 'Samaria', Nantmel, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 6EN, or www.welshkitetrust.org Please, please join.