They're among Ireland's most distinctive form of prey
A recent report by Birdwatch Ireland has highlighted the conservation efforts they have made for barn owls in Kildare.
They're among Ireland's most distinctive form of prey, and have faced challenges due to habitat loss and changes in agricultural landscapes.
They are a protected and sensitive species, and it is an offence to cause disturbance at the nest site and nests of breeding birds.
Speaking on Kildare Today, head of communications and development at Birdwatch Ireland Niall Hatch said it's important for them to address the decline in the species:
"A big part of our job is monitoring threatened species like the barn owl, trying to work out reasons for their decline and, where possible, trying to address and reverse them.
"We've seen birds of prey, and particular farmland birds as well declining, tillage farmland is one of the most important habitats of all for birds, something barn owls are very dependent on."
A lack of nesting sites, as well as secondary rat poison ingestion are the main reasons for their decline, as the owls predominantly feed on rats and mice.
The group have campaigned for more environmental rodenticide use, aiming for the rat poison to be used in a way that doesn't result in the decline of the barn owl species.
Niall also highlighted the idea of installing a nest box, described as a key tool in conservation projects to ensure a safe breeding site for priority species such as the rare barn owl or roseate tern.
"They're a fascinating species, every barn owl in Ireland is precious, it's a bird that's been associated with myth and legend for so long, there's something other-worldly about them.
More information can be sourced via Birdwatch Ireland, which also allows people to report sightings of the species.
The full interview can be heard below:
Kfm Obituary Notices
Timolin Student Awarded For Sepsis Research
Lawnmower, Chainsaw And Strimmer Among Items Stolen From Derrinturn Parochial House Shed
Young Boy Has Dogs Stolen By Males Carrying A Hurley In Athy
Unexpected Maintenance Issue Forces Temporary Closure Of Newbridge Library
Hosepipe Ban For Kildare And Other Counties Lifted Two Weeks Early
KCC Says "Very Little Communication" For New Site Scheme In Clogherinkoe
Kfm and Independent Radio Stations Launch Major Road Safety Promotion
