While Pam and I were doing the second bat walk of the year, we heard an unearthly screeching across the fields towards Golden Green. A moment later a dark shape flew over and I called out "owl". Pam's torch revealed a pale body and wings, and we had seen a Barn Owl. The old country name was "Screech Owl", although this was the term also used for Tawny Owls and Little Owls, at least in some parts of the country. The sharpest call is however definitely that of the Barn Owl, Tyto alba.
As we were getting back in the cars we heard several Tawny Owls, Strix aluco, calling as well, slightly more tunefully.
No comments:
Post a Comment