Ulster Wildlife’s appeal for nest sites – What you need to know

Barn owls are an indicator species meaning if you have them around it is a sign of a healthy ecosystem and a healthy food-chain. It indicates that there is plenty of grassland which supports small mammals; and this in turn supports a range of invertebrates, birds and a host of other biodiversity. They also provide natural rodent control on our farms. They are one of our most recognisable and loved birds; it would be devastating to lose them from our countryside.

Why does Ulster

Wildlife need to find new nest sites?

Barn owls are very elusive and difficult to spot so Ulster Wildlife rely on public sightings. They historically use the same nest sites over and over and so it is vital that Ulster Wildlife protect these locations. If Ulster Wildlife know where barn owls are nesting it allows us to monitor the population accurately. Currently Ulster Wildlife are working on an estimate and this could mean that the population is actually lower than previously thought. By knowing population numbers and how many chicks are born each year it allows us to put the correct conservation measures in place. Ulster Wildlife will know how to focus our work and ultimately have the greatest impact for this magnificent bird.

What will Ulster Wildlife do with this information?

Ulster Wildlife will support anyone that has a nest on their land by providing advice and support. This could be with a nest box to provide an alternative roosting place for the birds; or a camera so that you can see videos of your birds in action. Ulster Wildlife will never make the location of the nest site public.

Why is spring a good time to locate nest sites?

Pair-bonding will start in late winter when the pair will start gently preening each other. By early spring they will be spending most of their time at the nest site. If you notice birds returning to your site, then please let us know; this could be a pair getting ready to breed. The female will then start leaving the nest less and less in order to achieve breeding condition. The male will then do most of the hunting for both of them.

However, locating a nest site is possible at any time of year.

What signs should people look for? How can you tell if you have a barn owl nest on your land?

Ulster Wildlife should start by stating that barn owls are protected against disturbance when they are nesting; so if you come across a barn owl during the nesting period then you need to leave it alone. Barn owls can cope with a small amount of disturbance as long as it is consistent; they fear the unfamiliar. Please do not climb up to nest sites or nest boxes during the breeding season without a licence!

The best time to look for an old nest site is in the autumn/winter. There will be nest debris left behind. They like to nest in tall buildings, barns and chimneys. They also nest in old trees with cavities or nest boxes if available.

If barn owls are nesting or roosting in a building there should be obvious signs that they are there. The main signs include pellets, droppings and feathers. You might actually come across a dead adult or young bird. Also if birds are nesting nearby there will be a very strong and distinctive smell. If you are lucky enough you will hear the birds calling and the chicks begging for food.

Barn owls can have a large home range but are not territorial. They have particular flight paths that they follow and have favourite hunting grounds. Therefore, they usually take the same route out to hunt each night. If you regularly see one, then it could mean there is a nest or roost nearby.

What is Ulster Wildlife already doing to help barn owls?

Ulster Wildlife has been coordinating a volunteer survey every year since 2013. This allows us to monitor nest boxes and look for new sites. Ulster Wildlife also provide education and awareness about the importance of barn owls to schools, community groups and farmers. Lack of nesting sites can be a problem for barn owls so in particular cases Ulster Wildlife can provide and erect barn owl nesting boxes. Ulster Wildlife work with nest minders at our known nest sites to provide support and advice.