Barn Owl - Sad Loss

Barn Owl is a very rare bird in Northern Ireland and current belief is that it is on the verge of extinction here with probably less than 10 pairs breeding. With such small numbers, the breeding success of the remaining population is critical. It is therefore sad to receive the report below. These three birds were close to fledging and it is believed that the parents were poisoned (although there is no definitive proof on this). The young have been sent for a post mortem.

Barn Owl chicks, confidential location, Northern Ireland