Wildlife charities have launched a ‘Be there for Barn Owls’ project, in a bid to track down breeding pairs of the bird as it is feared that the population has seriously declined in numbers over recent years.

This particular breed was once a common sight, but it is now likely that there could be as few as thirty breeding pairs. The Ulster Wildlife charity said that it was one of Northern Ireland’s most threatened birds. Extreme weather, such as last year’s prolonged cold spring, the loss of suitable feeding and nesting habitat and the build up of toxins from eating poisoned prey have all contributed to the decline in its numbers.

The charity is urging everyone to help by reporting sightings of the birds, or signs of their presence such as best sites or pellets, to them. This time of year is a perfect time to spot them with the long summer evenings when they are likely to be out hunting over the fields, or you can hear their distinctive eerie screech. Sightings at this time of year are particularly useful as the those owls which are breeding reduce their hunting range to be close to their young, so a sighting may indicate a possible nesting site is close.

It is hoped that with this information areas can be identified where conservation efforts can be increased and concentrated to make a long-term difference to their survival and in time an increase in their overall numbers.

The owl is described as a banshee because of its distinctive white appearance, and the fact that the near silent flight can often take you by surprise. Because of its feeding habits, concentrating on mice and shrews it is also known as the farmers’ friend. Its normal habitat is rough, ungrazed grassland so grab your binoculars, or use those sharp pair of eyes, your fleece or bodywarmer and see if you can help save this beautiful bird