Jim was kind enough to have Josh and myself spend the day with him to gain experience
monitoring 23 nestboxes around the Lowdham area. Target species were Barn Owl, Tawny Owl
and Kestrel, we also had Stock Doves and a Jackdaw.
It was brilliant to see adults up close and (try to!) get our eye in for ageing Barn Owl primaries.
Some Barn Owls appeared to be fairing much better than others, with healthy weights and large
rodent caches, compared to one particularly under-weight female.
We also ringed several broods of chicks. The Jackdaw was FS (feather small) and all others
were still in pin.
We were joined for a couple of hours by Louise Gentle when we visited the NTU Brackenhurst
campus with a couple of Wildlife Conservation students. Although they were knowledgeable
birdwatchers and nestfinders, our search for a Little Owl brood proved unsuccessful.
Holly
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