THE WIRRAL BARN OWL TRUST
On Wednesday 15th June, we held our AGM. There was an excellent turn out from members and some new comers too. This led on to our feature for the evening - Steve Harris's talk about WIRRAL'S BARN OWLS....
We heard that the Trust (a registered charity) was formed in 1999, when it was believed there was only 1 breeding pair of Barn Owls on Wirral - not Metropolitan Wirral, but the geographical peninsula from Chester and Ellesmere Port up to the North Wirral Coast line - an area of 100 sq. miles or so!! Thanks to the Trust there are now 21 known breeding pairs!
We were taught how to spot a Barn Owl and shown pictures of other Owl's together with the sounds they make so we could distinguish between them. We were treated to some beautiful pictures of the birds, their chicks and nesting habits.
The Wirral Barn Owl Trust are actively involved in monitoring, caring for and encouraging the breeding of these magnificent birds. They communicate effectively with local landowners and Wirral Borough Council Planning officers to ensure relevant people are suitably educated thus ensuring the birds protection.
ITPAS have made a commitment to this important charity by joining its 'adopt a nest box' scheme. For a mere £50, we get a huge nest box sited in our area, (this has now been done, but will remain secret for obvious reasons - see below for update!), three years membership of the Trust, Newsletters and a regular activity report on our nest box. We will keep you informed via this website and our Newsletter, but the best way you can help is to become a private member yourself. For details, their website is on our links page or visit...
Next time your out and about, you maybe wondering what a Barn Owl sounds like! Well we have reproduced its 'hoot' that's more of a 'screech' here. We have also added the noises of some other Owl's so you can compare the considerable differences!
Now you know the sound, here are some more pictures. They are all taken by The Wirral Barn Owl Trust, so are local photos. Don't forget, you can also view the 'live' webcam at Wirral Country Park, Thurstaston and see how the Barn Owls are getting on down there. Click here to go to the Barn Owl webcam page.
Some barn owl Chicks in a nesting box
Members of Wirral Barn Owl Trust with some chicks!
One of Wirral's Barn Owls perched on a farmers fence
We are now the proud sponsors of a nest box in our area. We cannot reveal the location of the nest box in order to 1) protect the landowners privacy (even committee members cannot visit); and 2) To preserve and protect any occupation by Barn Owls of the box. We will however be kept updated by WBOT, which in turn we will update you within these pages, so keep calling back to see how we're getting on. In the meantime, we do have a photo of the nest box below, but would stress if you do identify the location, to keep clear for the above mentioned reasons. Your discretion is appreciated by all concerned.
For more photo's and extensive information visit the Wirral Barn Owl Trust website.
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