Hawk and Owl Trust. Working for Wild Birds of Prey and their Habitats. South Gloucestershire Group. Registered Charity No

Transcription

1 Working for Wild Birds of Prey and their Habitats South Gloucestershire Group Registered Charity No

2 2 Contents Working to conserve Wild Birds of Prey in South Gloucestershire 3-5 Conserving Owls of South Gloucestershire 6-8 Conserving Raptors of South Gloucestershire 9-11 Why Barn Owls need our help in South Gloucestershire Nest boxes for Owls and other Birds of Prey in the South West 16 Shapwick Moor Nature Reserve 17 Support the 18 Adopt a Box with the 19 HOT Project Kestrel Highways 20 Have you seen this bird? 21 Mobile Education Unit 22-23

3 3 Working to conserve Wild Birds of Prey in South Gloucestershire The (HOT) is the only charity in the UK solely dedicated to conserving all Britain s wild birds of prey and their habitats. Owls, falcons, hawks and buzzards are under daily threat from habitat loss, persecution, nest site loss, road mortality plus many other factors. These problems play a large part in their ability to survive and breed in our countryside. The Trust works to help these birds by linking with farmers and other landowners to create habitat, installing artificial nest boxes to encourage breeding and educating on issues that affect the birds survival in the wild. The Trust has groups scattered across the UK, consisting of volunteers who give up their time to help these birds in their local countryside. The Hawk and Owl Trust South Gloucestershire Group is very active within the local community, working with South Gloucestershire Council, local farmers and landowners to create habitat and nest box projects. The group regularly attend local shows and events educating the public and advising on ways to help the local population of owls and birds of prey. This increases awareness and is helping to both sustain existing breeding owls and falcons as well as encouraging more of these species to breed in the area. For information on the following subjects: Projects / Farm Visits / Community Talks / Monthly Speaker Meetings Shows and Events / Membership Contact the South Gloucestershire Group by going to:

4 Vole rich rough grass habitat / 2. Short-tailed field vole / 3. Barn Owl nest box Working to conserve Wild Birds of Prey in South Gloucestershire The South Gloucestershire Group is installing many nest boxes for birds of prey in South Gloucestershire. These artificial nesting sites are being installed on farmland, private land and in many of the area s local nature reserves. The boxes provide a safe, dry site for the birds and are regularly used by them, with brood success often greater than in damp natural sites which may not offer the same degree of protection from predators. The creation of local hunting habitat is vital to the breeding success of the nest boxes. Many birds of prey feed on short - tailed field voles which live and breed in rough uncut grassland habitat. This is the primary target prey species for our work and areas of vole rich grassland contribute strongly to the successful breeding of birds such as Barn Owls and Kestrels. During the nesting season, many young owls and birds of prey depend heavily on this habitat to survive beyond the nest. The Trust encourages landowners to leave field margins, where whole fields cannot be left. This is a popular compromise with farmers and there are government schemes to offset lost income. Rough grass areas also support other wildlife, with many insects, birds and mammals benefiting from its creation.

5 5 4 Barn Owl hunting near the Severn Bridge By educating landowners to the habitat requirements of owls and raptors, we are helping to create more of these valuable hunting areas in many parts of South Gloucestershire. On some sites in the area, the South Gloucestershire local group is working with landowners to provide both nest boxes and habitat for wild birds of prey. For example, group members working with a local landowner have helped manage their meadows to create large areas of suitable rough grassland for voles. This habitat now plays an important part in sustaining the local breeding Barn Owls, as well as providing important hunting habitat for local Kestrels. Buzzards and Sparrowhawks are also regularly spotted in the skies overhead. Nest boxes in the area are monitored by Trust volunteers, making sure that no unwanted guests have taken up residence, ensuring that the boxes remain usable for the target species. Where a box is used for breeding, the young birds are ringed by a licensed ringer and the records submitted to the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). The monitoring process contributes to records of breeding successes in South Gloucestershire and helps us to focus our conservation on those birds that need it most. 5 Ringing a Tawny Owl chick

6 6 Conserving Owls of South Gloucestershire BARN OWL Pale owl with heart shaped face and dark eyes. Mainly nocturnal but sometimes hunts during daytime. Chilling scream, often heard at night. Inhabits farm land and open country. Natural nest sites include barns and tree hollows. Specialist small mammal hunter that is often affected by loss of rough uncut grass habitat, the home of its main prey, the short-tailed field vole. Some breeding pairs in South Gloucestershire. HABITAT & CONSERVATION EFFORTS The Barn Owl is a bird of open farmland. It requires large areas of vole rich rough grassland to breed and survive. Nest boxes are installed on a large tree or inside a barn or similar building close to suitable hunting habitat.

7 7 LITTLE OWL Small brown and white owl with yellow eyes. Sits on posts and telegraph poles during the day. 8 different calls, including yelp & hooo-oo. Inhabits open country, farmland, urban smallholdings and places with hedges, ruins etc. Nest sites include tree hollows, roof cavities and sometimes old rabbit burrows. Prey includes insects and small mammals. Widespread in South Gloucestershire. HABITAT & CONSERVATION EFFORTS The Little Owl inhabits mixed open farmland and areas with hedgerows, plus semi-rural sites close to open land. Nest boxes are installed in trees, hedgerows or on the side of buildings. LONG-EARED OWL Brown owl with long feather tufts which look like ears. Orange yellow eyes. Mainly nocturnal owl. Calls include a repeated hoo hoo hoo hoo. Young have calls resembling a squeaky gate. Specialist vole hunter. Often hunts over young plantations. Takes to artificial baskets lined with twigs, simulating abandoned crows nests. Recorded in South Gloucestershire. HABITAT & CONSERVATION EFFORTS The Long eared Owl s traditional nesting sites are within conifer woodland, close to vole rich hunting areas. The Trust installs artificial nesting baskets, which have proved successful at established Long eared Owl nesting sites.

8 8 TAWNY OWL Large brown owl with dark eyes. Mainly nocturnal. Most common owl in Britain. Familiar tu-whit, tu-whoo call. Inhabits deciduous or mixed woods and parkland plus churchyards. Feeds on small mammals such as rats and mice as well as birds, amphibians etc. Widespread in South Gloucestershire. HABITAT & CONSERVATION EFFORTS The Tawny Owl s domain is woodland. The Trust installs nest boxes in a tree within the woodland or sometimes in a shelter belt, copse, or in a tree in a large garden or park. SHORT-EARED OWL Attractive dark brown owl with dominant white streaks on breast feathers. Yellow eyes. Calls include inconspicuous boo-boo-boo. Favours open grassy moorland, marshes and sand dunes. In winter frequents grassy marshes, grazing meadows and adjacent arable fields. Specialist vole hunter, but will take other small mammals. Hunts during day and night. Perches on posts. Breeds and roosts on ground. Wintering birds recorded in South Gloucestershire. HABITAT & CONSERVATION EFFORTS The rough grass habitat created for Barn Owls also provides good hunting areas for Short-eared Owls. This species is a winter visitor to parts of South Gloucestershire, particularly along the River Severn.

9 9 Conserving Raptors of South Gloucestershire KESTREL Male has reddish-brown back and blue-grey head. Female more brown with brown-black streaks. This Falcon is typically seen hovering over roadside verges in search of small mammals. Nests in old crows nests, ledges and cavities. Wide diet including small mammals, birds and insects. South Gloucestershire Group taking part in national project to reverse a decline in this species see p20. HABITAT & CONSERVATION EFFORTS Kestrels can be found in built up areas, open countryside and also in semi-rural areas,hunting for small mammals, insects and birds. An open front design of nest box is erected on trees or buildings. SPARROWHAWK Fast agile hawk. Male much smaller than browner female. Both hunt in woodland, with larger female also hunting open farmland. Will take pigeons. Main diet is small garden and woodland birds. Common in South Gloucestershire. HABITAT & CONSERVATION EFFORTS Nesting baskets can be installed in woodlands. Despite common misconceptions, Sparrowhawk s have little effect on song bird population declines, which is in fact due to other factors such as habitat loss.

10 10 COMMON BUZZARD Large brown bird with brown and white markings. Soars high in sky on thermals on fine days. Hunts over farmland and open land with sparse forests. Builds nest with twigs and moss high in tall trees. Diet includes small mammals, rabbits, worms, insects and carrion. Common in South Gloucestershire. HABITAT & CONSERVATION EFFORTS The Buzzard nests at the top of trees and soars on thermals over open countryside in search of carrion, or over newly ploughed fields where it will often forage for worms and insects. PEREGRINE FALCON The largest British falcon. White/black streaked under parts with black/white facial moustache. Found on coastline and inland quarries. Main diet consists of seabirds, waders and pigeons. Nests on cliff edges or high ledge. Often attacks prey in up to 180+ mph stoop. Breeding pairs in South Gloucestershire. HABITAT & CONSERVATION EFFORTS Peregrines are increasingly found in cities. The Trust has been erecting nesting trays on the spires of cathedrals and churches and regularly monitors both these and natural sites to discourage human persecution.

11 11 HOBBY Summer visitor and breeder in the UK. Similar in appearance to Peregrine, but smaller and lighter and has heavy barring on under wings. Fast flying falcon that hunts insects, swifts, swallows and martins. Nests high in old crows nest. Frequently seen in South Gloucestershire during summer. HABITAT & CONSERVATION EFFORTS The Hobby hunts over open countryside and in the vicinity of lakes and rivers, feeding their young with dragonflies and other insects. It takes readily to nesting baskets place high in trees in open areas. RED KITE Large slender brown raptor with white markings, the underside is red-rust with darker brown stripes on the chest. When soaring high in the sky can be confused with the Buzzard but has larger wingspan and distinctive forked tail. Varied diet, mainly carrion but also small mammals, birds, insects and earth worms. Nests high in the fork of a tree. Occasionally seen in South Gloucestershire. HABITAT & CONSERVATION EFFORTS Following years of persecution only a few pairs remained by the early 1900 s and were confined to Wales. Monitoring by volunteers, including HOT, prevented complete extinction. Following a reintroduction project using young birds from Sweden, which began first in the Chilterns in 1989 and subsequently in other areas in the UK, the population is slowly recovering. If you see a Red Kite in South Gloucestershire please contact us at: /groups/southgloucestershire and report your siting.

12 12 Why Barn Owls need our help in South Gloucestershire The Barn Owl is still quite rare in South Gloucestershire and is a target species in the council s Biodiversity Action Plan. This means that extra effort is being made in the county to help this species. The South Gloucestershire Group is working in close partnership with South Gloucestershire Council to spearhead this conservation effort. Barn Owls have many factors that threaten their survival: ROAD DEATHS Up to 5000 Barn Owls are killed every year on Britain s roads. Many of these owls are inexperienced young birds that are on dispersal in search of territories. Hungry and forced to hunt rough grass areas alongside busy roads, these low flying birds are easily struck by traffic and often killed. DROWNING Many Barn Owls drown each year when they fall in to water troughs. Their feathers absorb water very quickly and once waterlogged the birds find it very difficult to get out of these death traps. The Trust recommends floating a bread tray or similar in these type of vessels. This will assist the owl in saving itself, should it fall in.

13 &2. Loss of suitable habitat 3. Loss of tree nest sites LOSS OF HABITAT Barn Owls depend heavily on un-cut rough grass habitats to hunt for its primary food source, the short-tailed field vole. These voles account for up to 85% of the owl s diet. However, many birds struggle to find enough voles as many fields are cut each year by landowners. This can sometimes be the difference between life and death for a nest of young fledglings. LOSS OF NESTING SITES Farm buildings, such as barns, are traditional nesting sites for Barn Owls. Many of these buildings are converted to provide living accommodation and the birds are forced to find another site to live and breed. If you have land, you can help our local Barn Owls in the following ways: Leave grass un-cut through each year, or leave up to 10mtr margins at the edges of fields as a compromise. If owls are using buildings for roosting or breeding, leave them un-disturbed and ensure access is available at all times, particularly in spring, when they may have young to feed. Float a bread tray or similar in water troughs. Keep roadside hedgerows higher around sites where owls are known to breed, so that they have less chance of being struck when flying across traffic. Contact the South Gloucestershire Group to have a survey and possible Barn Owl nest box installed if you live near suitable open country habitat. Loss of old farm buildings 4

14 14 Nest boxes for Owls and other Birds of Prey LITTLE OWL The Little Owl box can be positioned in isolated trees or hedgerows or on the interior or exterior walls of farm buildings. The entrance hole is 70mm, which ensures access for the owls but excludes predators such as the Tawny Owl. Little Owls like dark places, so the box is designed with a separate compartment leading to the nest chamber. BARN OWL (INTERNAL) The internal box is typically installed inside a barn or isolated farm building preferably with two permanent access points, at a height that is safe from predators, such as cats. The entrance hole is set high to ensure the young cannot leave the box too early and the platform should be large enough to prevent older fledglings falling off in the scramble to feed. BARN OWL (EXTERNAL) This design with a 125mm square entrance hole is installed in a tree in open land, or within a hedgerow, close to suitable vole rich rough grass hunting habitat. Clearance should be allowed for a flight path for the long winged Barn Owl. Brood sizes can be quite large in good years, with the young staying in the box for over 8 weeks. GENERAL NOTES 1. Boxes should be ideally positioned with the entrance hole facing between NE SE, away from the prevailing weather. 2. All boxes are coated with a suitable wildlife friendly preservative. 3. Many species and their nests are subject to legal protection under The Wildlife & Countryside Act Nest boxes should only be inspected by authorised persons.

15 15 TAWNY OWL This box is normally installed in woodland, although boxes in large gardens and copses can be successful. It should be installed on the trunk of a large tree and allowance should be made for a clear flight path in to the box for the bird. Cautionary Note: Tawny Owls can be aggressive and care should be taken around the nest site when young are in the box. KESTREL The Kestrel prefers an open fronted box design, which simulates a natural tree cavity or ledge. This box can be installed in a tree or high up on a building or pole, close to open grassland where the birds can hunt. Kestrels like a clear view from the nest site, so any obstructing foliage should be removed. UNWANTED GUESTS If nest boxes are invaded by unwelcome guests, such as squirrels, corvids or pigeons, they should be evicted and all nesting material removed. Stock Doves are the subject of conservation and should be left undisturbed Jackdaw / 2. Squirrel

16 16 in the South West The groups in the South West work in partnership with many community bodies on conservation projects. These initiatives are helping to conserve wild owls and other birds of prey and their habitats all over the region. GROUPS South Gloucestershire Bristol and North Somerset Bath and West Wiltshire Mendip and Somerset Levels Dorset and South Somerset LONG-EARED OWL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP The Long-eared Owl is one of Britain s rarest and most elusive birds. This project involves local communities in the Mendip and Quantock Hills in an effort to conserve the breeding habits for Long-eared Owls and monitor breeding pairs. CONSTANT MONITORING OF BARN OWL AND KESTREL Rough grass habitats are vital to sustain the populations of these two birds and this project ensures that habitat creation remains an on-going target. SOMERSET BARN OWL COMMUNITY PROJECT The and the Somerset Wildlife Trust have teamed up with their local communities. Run by the Trust s Conservation Officer Chris Sperring MBE this project is about securing the future of this special bird by providing new nest sites and by working with landowners to create and manage new habitat. For more information on these projects go to:

17 17 Shapwick Moor Nature Reserve Our nearest reserve is Shapwick Moor. This area was previously farmed for a variety of arable crops. RESERVES Nationally the Trust manages three reserves: Sculthorpe Moor Community Nature Reserve Norfolk Shapwick Moor Nature Reserve Somerset Levels Fylingdales Moor Conservation Area North Yorkshire Moors The is restoring it to flower-rich, semi-natural grassland by volunteers from all the Trust s groups in the South West. Some land is being restored to fen. Rough grass margins are encouraging owls and other birds of prey such as Hobbies, Buzzards, Barn Owls and Kestrels and the small mammals they feed on. The restoration is also attracting other wildlife including Otters and birds such as Lapwings. The reserve is open year round and accessible by public and permissive paths. Shapwick Moor forms part of the Avalon Marshes network of reserves. For more information go to and follow the link. HAWK AND OWL TRUST LOCAL GROUPS The Trust local group network gives members of the Trust opportunities to get involved in bird of prey conservation in their local countryside and holds regular meetings and talks during the year. For details and diary dates for the South Gloucestershire Group go to:

18 18 Support the Make a Difference Join the Please help by joining us. As a charity, (registered charity No ) the Trust relies on membership subscriptions to provide the valuable funds to help us carry on our vital work. Your subscription also gives the Hawk and Owl Trust a stronger voice for these top of the food chain charismatic birds on important issues such as the fight against illegal persecution. Members receive the s colour magazine, PEREGRINE (sent out twice a year), car sticker and pin badge plus regular newsletters from the local group. Membership also gives you the option to get actively involved in the Trust s local conservation work. Please go to and follow the Join Us link where you can either join on line or download a membership form. Owls and birds of prey in South Gloucestershire are under threat from: Lack of food due to loss of hunting habitat. Loss of natural nest sites due to building development. Persecution by humans. The South Gloucestershire Group is working to address these issues by: Working with landowners to create and manage vole-rich hunting habitat for birds such as the Barn Owl. Installing artificial nest sites to encourage birds to breed in locations near good habitat. Educating the public about birds of prey through talks and local events.

19 19 Adopt a Box with the Adopt a Box as a special gift (Birthdays, Christmas etc.) for family & friends. Adopting a nest box through the is fun. You ll be kept up to date with what is going on in your adopted box. You will also learn more about Barn Owls and the other birds that use the special nest boxes that are put up and monitored. Because these birds are so special and Barn Owls in particular, are protected by law, we cannot tell you exactly where your box is. However, the Trust s experts, who are specially licensed, regularly monitor the boxes. Adopt a box by going to: and follow the link where you can adopt on line or download an application form. Remember Adopting a box is a lifeline for an owl family. For example, due to the loss of natural nest sites (old farm buildings etc.) it is estimated that that four in every five Barn Owls now use nest boxes. GIFT ADOPTION PACKS COMPRISE: Special adoption certificate Appropriate greetings card with your personal message A colourful owl sticker An illustrated guide to British owls and their pellets Two informative fact sheets Owl bookmark (1 of a series to collect) Colour newsletter Adopt a Box News (sent out twice a year) Plus, each year in November adopters receive news of their allocated nest box and the birds that have used it.

20 20 HOT Project Kestrel Highways SITUATION At the start of the project in 2008 Dr Robert Davies, the project consultant, succinctly described the plight of the Kestrel project in Wales. He wrote: Kestrels Falco tinnunculus have experienced a dramatic population decline in recent years in the UK. Total population size is thought to have fallen by 30% over the last decade and the species has been placed on the amber list by the BTO. Kestrels do not make their own nest but are reliant on holes in trees, old crow s nests, cavities in out buildings, suitable cavities in bales of hay/straw etc. Like owls, Kestrels respond well to the provision of artificial nest boxes especially if these can be sited in good feeding areas away from large raptors MISSION Project Kestrel Highways is a initiative to provide much needed nest sites in the form of nest boxes for Kestrels in the areas near to selected roads in the UK. Trust volunteers will erect and monitor these sites. The success of the different sites and associated habitat will provide valuable data on the factors that affect the breeding ecology of these falcons. Because of this initiative, the Trust will: Raise public awareness of the plight of the Kestrel and demonstrate its conservation work. Promote an interest in Kestrels by inviting the public and their children to report sightings on the selected roads. Provide a project that will get HOT Groups involved in a team building conservation activity that they will enjoy and develop. By its success, establish the need for additional Kestrel miles to continue the project into the future. EXECUTION The plan is to erect a linear network of Kestrel nest boxes in the vicinity of eight major roads in Great Britain. The work would be undertaken by volunteers from local HOT Groups. Members of the public can be involved in reporting sightings of hunting Kestrels as they journey along these roads. Go to: & follow the link.

21 21 Have you seen this bird? The South Gloucestershire Group of the chose the A38, B4058, A46 and A429 as its Kestrel Highway roads. Since the start of the project the group have erected 50 Kestrel nest boxes in the vicinity of these roads. If you see a Kestrel within 1 mile of these roads please go to: and follow the link to record your sighting. Your information will help us to conserve this beautiful falcon.

22 22 Mobile Education Unit The South Gloucestershire Group have a mobile education unit that we can bring along to schools, village fairs/ shows etc. in the area. This gives us the opportunity to spread the conservation message for wild owls and birds of prey and a chance for the public to meet some captive bred birds.

23 23 CONTACT For contact details go to:

24 Working for Wild Birds of Prey and their Habitats All pictures in this Handbook are Copyright David Knowles with the exception of Long-eared Owl p7 and Kestrel p21, which are by David Kjear. This Handbook is funded by the South Gloucestershire Environment Grant For further details contact: Grants Helpline Grants Website SGC CREATIVE DESIGN