This year has been the most successful yet for breeding occupancy in our barn owl boxes. Not only have we had a record number of barn owl young born in our boxes, we have also had a large number of kestrels who are also in decline nationally with only 1 in 3 born surviving beyond 3 months. We also have found evidence of little owl breeding at some of our locations. With results like this, the tortuous winter maintenance schedule involving pulling heavy equipment over many soggy fields to visit, clean and maintain all of the boxes within our area are quickly forgotten.
 Our demanding winter maintenance schedule to maintain each box within the barn owl conservation area provides the basis for our breeding success.
Our demanding winter maintenance schedule to maintain each box within the barn owl conservation area provides the basis for our breeding success.
 Four barn owl eggs found on an initial breeding survey this summer.
Four barn owl eggs found on an initial breeding survey this summer.
 Three kestrel eggs found during the same tour around all the boxes.
Three kestrel eggs found during the same tour around all the boxes.
 Four little owl eggs found in a tree hole near to a barn owl box.
Four little owl eggs found in a tree hole near to a barn owl box.
We also check on the large number of tawny owl boxes mounted within woodlands in our conservation area, but unfortunately many of these have been taken over by grey squirrels who constantly inflict structural damage to the boxes, making them far less productive in breeding terms and dramatically shorten the life of the boxes. Despite this, we have continued to provide these boxes in areas that aren’t plagued with a squirrel presence.
 A tawny owl box mounted in a wooded area.
A tawny owl box mounted in a wooded area.
With kestrels and tawny owls beginning their breeding season before the barn owls, our box visits commence at different times. Kestrels tend to favour regular occupancy of specific boxes, so these can be visited a month earlier than the other barn owl boxes along with the tawny owl box checks. This year however, the barn owl boxes that they regularly breed in were not the only ones they occupied, so when their presence was discovered during the later round of barn owl box inspections, many had reached an advanced stage of development. This meant that with their feisty disposition, they would be difficult to deal with to record. It also meant a rapid return to this location, armed with equipment to undertake this recording, was required.
 Three kestrels found that had reached an advanced stage of growth.
Three kestrels found that had reached an advanced stage of growth.
We have strong memories of two of us returning quickly to one such location this summer where this had occurred, visiting at 6.30am to catch them before they fledged. We carried ladders and bags of recording equipment across two large fields only to discover that the 5 kestrel chicks had already departed their nest on our arrival. During the long trek back we reflected that the start of this recording session was not the one we had wished for.
 All boxes in the barn owl conservation area are initially checked in early summer.
All boxes in the barn owl conservation area are initially checked in early summer.
The first visit to each box establishes whether breeding has occurred within them. On this visit their development progress is noted and a return visit date is calculated to establish the perfect stage of development for ringing and recording them. Ideally this is when they are large enough to sex, measure, weigh and ring them, but not too large so that they are difficult to handle. This is not always easy to establish as barn owls begin incubating their eggs, which can number between two and six, as soon as the first one is laid.
 An initial clutch of barn owl eggs found this year.
An initial clutch of barn owl eggs found this year.
Incubation of the eggs lasts for a period of between 18 to 21 days. After 31 to 33 days of incubation, the eggs hatch at a rate of one every 2 to 3 days. The age difference between the oldest and youngest can therefore be up to 3 weeks. This means that within one box all the young are at a different stage of development, so an average age and size has to be determined to calculate the date of the return visit.
 When the chicks hatch they are mostly bald and with eyes tightly shut. They need the attention of the parent to keep them warm until they produce sufficient down to maintain their own body temperature.
When the chicks hatch they are mostly bald and with eyes tightly shut. They need the attention of the parent to keep them warm until they produce sufficient down to maintain their own body temperature.
The difference in sizes can be a problem for the youngest chick, for in times of food scarcity they are often consumed by their larger siblings. In many cases we find that in a box initially housing 6 youngsters, the return visit finds that only a couple are remaining with no sign of the others. This can be due to predation by an external species but usually is the result of a larger, hungry sibling.
 A typical variation in barn owl sizes found in one box this year.
A typical variation in barn owl sizes found in one box this year. 
 Five young kestrels found in a barn owl box this year nearing the preferred size for recording them.
Five young kestrels found in a barn owl box this year nearing the preferred size for recording them.
These breeding visits are undertaken by trained and qualified permit holders who undertake nest site recording and occupant ringing for most of the summer from May until August. Barn owls are a Schedule 1 protected species and must only be disturbed by trained people holding the required certification to ensure their continuing welfare. Other volunteers often join them to assist with the activity and help with equipment carrying.
 The parent barn owls usually detect our approach on these initial visits and fly out of the box before our inspection.
The parent barn owls usually detect our approach on these initial visits and fly out of the box before our inspection.
With the number of repeat visits required to achieve this monitoring, many volunteers are called upon to form the recording teams. So successful have we been with this project since we began in 2007, that barn owls are no longer on the endangered species list, but instead are now regularly seen in our local countryside. It has been a very hard and time consuming project but one that has made all the effort justified.
 A barn owl flying along a field hedgerow from a nearby box.
A barn owl flying along a field hedgerow from a nearby box.
 Another one who chose to leave before we arrived at its nest box.
Another one who chose to leave before we arrived at its nest box.
All young barn owls and kestrels found this year were duly ringed and recorded with the results submitted to the national British Trust for Ornithology. Pictures of some of the recording activity encounters are included below.
 On the initial inspection we make no attempt to record the adults, although their presence and location are noted.
On the initial inspection we make no attempt to record the adults, although their presence and location are noted.
 Some remain in the box until we are about to open the door. In these cases we often get covered in excrement as they invariably discharge themselves when suddenly flying out.
Some remain in the box until we are about to open the door. In these cases we often get covered in excrement as they invariably discharge themselves when suddenly flying out.
 When the barn owl chicks are just hatched, they are very vulnerable as seen here.
When the barn owl chicks are just hatched, they are very vulnerable as seen here.
 They huddle together for warmth and security.
They huddle together for warmth and security.
 Similarly kestrels find safety and increased temperature in a group.
Similarly kestrels find safety and increased temperature in a group. 
 On odd occasions we find boxes containing late developing young jackdaws. Not our favourite discovery due to the considerable mess their mud and twig nest building creates inside, but we leave them undisturbed to continue their development.
On odd occasions we find boxes containing late developing young jackdaws. Not our favourite discovery due to the considerable mess their mud and twig nest building creates inside, but we leave them undisturbed to continue their development.
 This box contained the ideal result we seek. Four strong and healthy barn owl chicks advancing towards adulthood and the perfect size to record.
This box contained the ideal result we seek. Four strong and healthy barn owl chicks advancing towards adulthood and the perfect size to record.
 These were kestrels we returned to ring and record after the initial visit. They have just been gently returned to their box after having had identification rings attached to their legs.
These were kestrels we returned to ring and record after the initial visit. They have just been gently returned to their box after having had identification rings attached to their legs.
 Similarly, recorded barn owls are carefully returned to their nest box after ringing. They always gather together when they initially are placed back in their home.
Similarly, recorded barn owls are carefully returned to their nest box after ringing. They always gather together when they initially are placed back in their home. 
 They soon perk up however, when we close the door.
They soon perk up however, when we close the door.
 The ringing and recording visits are the best time for us…..
The ringing and recording visits are the best time for us…..
 ….as this is the time we can get close enough to examine them to make sure they are healthy and happy.
….as this is the time we can get close enough to examine them to make sure they are healthy and happy.
 It also allows us to appreciate the beauty of this wonderful species.
It also allows us to appreciate the beauty of this wonderful species.
 This is the first time most of them have seen the world outside their box….
This is the first time most of them have seen the world outside their box….
 .…so they gaze around absorbing the new sights and sounds.
.…so they gaze around absorbing the new sights and sounds.
 Then we return them to the secure environment they are familiar with.
Then we return them to the secure environment they are familiar with.
 Kestrels undergo this experience too….
Kestrels undergo this experience too….
 ….and after being sensitively ringed and recorded are also place back in the safety of their boxes.
….and after being sensitively ringed and recorded are also place back in the safety of their boxes.
 Each small barn owl is gently weighed, measured, sexed and their details recorded.
Each small barn owl is gently weighed, measured, sexed and their details recorded.
 The activity allows each to have their health checked to ensure they have the best chance of fledging.
The activity allows each to have their health checked to ensure they have the best chance of fledging.
 This time spent with each owl is precious to the recording team and provides a gratifying return for the conservation effort expended.
This time spent with each owl is precious to the recording team and provides a gratifying return for the conservation effort expended.
 Each downy handful held at the recording stage will hopefully develop into a magnificent  adult….
Each downy handful held at the recording stage will hopefully develop into a magnificent  adult….  
 ….and eventually produce young of its own to further increase the barn owl population in our surrounding countryside.
 ….and eventually produce young of its own to further increase the barn owl population in our surrounding countryside.
It is this objective that drives our project to help all these wonderful creatures in a diminishing countryside landscape that is progressively threatening their survival by robbing them of the habitat they need to exist. Without this support they would probably be on the verge of extinction, as are so many other species currently.

 Volunteers capitalise on dry intervals to undertake the bat box surveys.
Volunteers capitalise on dry intervals to undertake the bat box surveys. Aware of the short duration of each dry opportunity….
Aware of the short duration of each dry opportunity…. ….the inspections were progressed as speedily as possible.
….the inspections were progressed as speedily as possible. Every box in the wide area of local countryside was carefully inspected and the occupants recorded.
Every box in the wide area of local countryside was carefully inspected and the occupants recorded. Team members worked together….
Team members worked together…. ….to transport ladders over the long distances it was necessary to travel.
….to transport ladders over the long distances it was necessary to travel. At the end of the final woodland survey and the last record is entered, the team members relaxed.
At the end of the final woodland survey and the last record is entered, the team members relaxed.   Due to the unfavourable weather conditions….
Due to the unfavourable weather conditions….  ….only the hardy Common and Soprano Pipistrelles were found in the majority of boxes.
….only the hardy Common and Soprano Pipistrelles were found in the majority of boxes. Most boxes however, were found to be full of droppings….
Most boxes however, were found to be full of droppings…. ….indicating that they had been well-used prior to the onset of the bad weather.
….indicating that they had been well-used prior to the onset of the bad weather. Bats were present only in ones and twos in many of the boxes….
Bats were present only in ones and twos in many of the boxes…. ….making it initially appear their numbers were down on previous years.
….making it initially appear their numbers were down on previous years. Other boxes however, told a different story….
Other boxes however, told a different story…. ….and were found to contain clusters of up to seven.
….and were found to contain clusters of up to seven. This was still less than previous years when groups up to a dozen were often found.
This was still less than previous years when groups up to a dozen were often found. The number of boxes occupied were similar to recent years….
The number of boxes occupied were similar to recent years…. …but the variety of species normally found….
…but the variety of species normally found…. ….were sadly lacking.
….were sadly lacking. It is hoped that the next season’s weather is significantly better and the number of species found are greater and include the rarer ones we have previously found in our boxes. The results overall were however, higher than we had anticipated in such unfavourable conditions.
It is hoped that the next season’s weather is significantly better and the number of species found are greater and include the rarer ones we have previously found in our boxes. The results overall were however, higher than we had anticipated in such unfavourable conditions. The boxes were visited at monthly intervals when possible.
The boxes were visited at monthly intervals when possible. Occupancy of each was recorded. This one contained one of the many resident wood mice found.
Occupancy of each was recorded. This one contained one of the many resident wood mice found.  These inspections were undertaken by working parties of licensed volunteers.
These inspections were undertaken by working parties of licensed volunteers. Each volunteer undertook a different role to make the operation proceed as smoothly as possible.
Each volunteer undertook a different role to make the operation proceed as smoothly as possible. This box contained a wood mouse nest.
This box contained a wood mouse nest. This one contained a nest of birds eggs.
This one contained a nest of birds eggs. A devoted bluetit mother remained firmly on her eggs in this box. She was disturbed as little as possible.
A devoted bluetit mother remained firmly on her eggs in this box. She was disturbed as little as possible. This box contained young chicks who were at a more advanced stage and obviously very hungry.
 This box contained young chicks who were at a more advanced stage and obviously very hungry. Young birds were found in many of the boxes in early summer.
Young birds were found in many of the boxes in early summer. These eight great tit youngsters were almost fully feathered. Once all birds nests were emptied after the birds had fledged, the nesting debris was removed so that they were available for dormouse occupancy again.
These eight great tit youngsters were almost fully feathered. Once all birds nests were emptied after the birds had fledged, the nesting debris was removed so that they were available for dormouse occupancy again. Inspections carried out in mid summer after the birds had vacated the boxes, found wood mice had moved into many of them.
Inspections carried out in mid summer after the birds had vacated the boxes, found wood mice had moved into many of them. Again, the occupants were treated delicately with as little disturbance as possible.
Again, the occupants were treated delicately with as little disturbance as possible. All boxes containing food stores were left intact to benefit the breeding mice.
All boxes containing food stores were left intact to benefit the breeding mice. Each member of the team worked together to ensure inspections were carried out as efficiently as possible.
Each member of the team worked together to ensure inspections were carried out as efficiently as possible. This mouse was found having a meal in a food store.
This mouse was found having a meal in a food store. Each finding was recorded….
Each finding was recorded…. ….to create a comprehensive annual record of everything found.
….to create a comprehensive annual record of everything found. Inspections undertaken at the end of the season found an increasing number of boxes occupied by wood mice….
Inspections undertaken at the end of the season found an increasing number of boxes occupied by wood mice…. ….with a large number utilised for food storage….
….with a large number utilised for food storage…. ….and new nests….
….and new nests…. ….to ensure the mice successfully survived the imminent winter conditions.
….to ensure the mice successfully survived the imminent winter conditions. Once the final check was completed all results were collated and the data forwarded to the national database.
Once the final check was completed all results were collated and the data forwarded to the national database. The barn owl boxes are mounted in suitable locations across the owl conservation area.
The barn owl boxes are mounted in suitable locations across the owl conservation area. Each box is visited to check if breeding has occurred.
Each box is visited to check if breeding has occurred. Eggs found with the first one already hatched.
Eggs found with the first one already hatched. This picture shows two healthy chicks found on an initial inspection. On the next visit they were found to have been predated and had vanished without trace.
This picture shows two healthy chicks found on an initial inspection. On the next visit they were found to have been predated and had vanished without trace.  Two dead partly grown barn owl chicks found in a box situated in a meadow that had recently been sprayed with herbicide by the landowner to remove ragwort.
Two dead partly grown barn owl chicks found in a box situated in a meadow that had recently been sprayed with herbicide by the landowner to remove ragwort. Each young barn owl is handled very sensitively and gently returned to its box when recording is completed.
Each young barn owl is handled very sensitively and gently returned to its box when recording is completed. One of the boxes found where voles caught by the parent birds at night were left to sustain the youngsters during the day.
One of the boxes found where voles caught by the parent birds at night were left to sustain the youngsters during the day. Boxes utilised regularly by barn owls within their home range.
Boxes utilised regularly by barn owls within their home range. Another swathe of vital greenfield habitat utilised by foraging barn owls in our conservation area is lost to development.
Another swathe of vital greenfield habitat utilised by foraging barn owls in our conservation area is lost to development. One of the first boxes visited this summer found these three occupants. Note the difference in their stages of development.
One of the first boxes visited this summer found these three occupants. Note the difference in their stages of development. The next box had four very young barn owl chicks in.
The next box had four very young barn owl chicks in. On the same day this box was found with just a single but very healthy occupant.
On the same day this box was found with just a single but very healthy occupant. Another box visited that day had one unhatched egg and four youngsters of varying sizes.
Another box visited that day had one unhatched egg and four youngsters of varying sizes. This box had two chicks occupying one side….
This box had two chicks occupying one side…. ….and two on the other side, making a grand total of four very healthy youngsters.
….and two on the other side, making a grand total of four very healthy youngsters. One to four owls were found in most of our breeding boxes this year.
One to four owls were found in most of our breeding boxes this year. It has been one of our most successful years for young owl occupation of our boxes to date….
It has been one of our most successful years for young owl occupation of our boxes to date…. ….with the majority of box locations visited revealing yet another family of barn owl chicks.
….with the majority of box locations visited revealing yet another family of barn owl chicks. The age of each chick was recorded on the first visit….
The age of each chick was recorded on the first visit…. ….and an estimate was made of timing of the return visit to record them.
….and an estimate was made of timing of the return visit to record them. Due to the considerable variation in the ages of the youngsters found….
Due to the considerable variation in the ages of the youngsters found…. .…the sequence of return visits to record them at the required size….
.…the sequence of return visits to record them at the required size…. ….meant that the huge owl conservation area was required to be criss-crossed many times over several weeks.
….meant that the huge owl conservation area was required to be criss-crossed many times over several weeks. This ensured that they were all dealt with at a stage they had grown sufficiently to be able to accurately record sex, development and age….
This ensured that they were all dealt with at a stage they had grown sufficiently to be able to accurately record sex, development and age….  ….whilst still being of a size that could easily be handled.
….whilst still being of a size that could easily be handled. Even on the first visit some chicks were small, cute and downy….
Even on the first visit some chicks were small, cute and downy…. ….while others were already large enough to be dealt with immediately.
….while others were already large enough to be dealt with immediately.   For these larger birds a very quick return was made.
For these larger birds a very quick return was made. Not all owls were pleased to see us on the second visit and were determined not to co-operate….
Not all owls were pleased to see us on the second visit and were determined not to co-operate…. ….but the authorised team gently took charge and each was meticulously recorded with an identification ring placed on its leg.
….but the authorised team gently took charge and each was meticulously recorded with an identification ring placed on its leg. The team was formed of a sufficient number of people to carry all the equipment required over the large distances across fields.
The team was formed of a sufficient number of people to carry all the equipment required over the large distances across fields. In some boxes we found a number were almost full size and ready to fledge.
In some boxes we found a number were almost full size and ready to fledge. The larger the birds found, the more difficult they were to handle, but they were all recorded in the same way….
The larger the birds found, the more difficult they were to handle, but they were all recorded in the same way….  ….but with a greater respect being given to their sharp talons.
….but with a greater respect being given to their sharp talons. The smaller chicks were more easily dealt with….
The smaller chicks were more easily dealt with…. ….and seemed to appreciate the smart leg bracelet we fitted.
….and seemed to appreciate the smart leg bracelet we fitted. When recording had finished, they were carefully placed back into their respective boxes.
When recording had finished, they were carefully placed back into their respective boxes. It was ensured that all the birds were completely settled before we departed.
It was ensured that all the birds were completely settled before we departed.  This one had its plumage almost completely in place, but still retained an amount of down beneath.
This one had its plumage almost completely in place, but still retained an amount of down beneath. These siblings demonstrated their staggered development due to progressive egg hatching, with the oldest on the left and the youngest on the right.
These siblings demonstrated their staggered development due to progressive egg hatching, with the oldest on the left and the youngest on the right. On their return to the boxes, they usually scurried to the furthest corner….
On their return to the boxes, they usually scurried to the furthest corner…. ….a little unsure if they were to be disturbed further….
….a little unsure if they were to be disturbed further…. ….or whether they could once again relax.
….or whether they could once again relax. They are without doubt one of the most beautiful of all the birds in our local countryside….
They are without doubt one of the most beautiful of all the birds in our local countryside…. ….and worthy of the considerable effort we expend to sustain their population.
….and worthy of the considerable effort we expend to sustain their population. Volunteers gather to tackle the clearance task.
Volunteers gather to tackle the clearance task. This was an example of the floral display that resulted from the group work effort.
This was an example of the floral display that resulted from the group work effort. Each bird box was checked and cleaned.
Each bird box was checked and cleaned. The newly planted tree to replace the felled unsafe oak was checked.
The newly planted tree to replace the felled unsafe oak was checked. The bulbs were progressively planted to increase the biodiversity richness of the area.
The bulbs were progressively planted to increase the biodiversity richness of the area.  When established, the bluebells should provide a further boost to the attractiveness of the woodland and value to wildlife.
When established, the bluebells should provide a further boost to the attractiveness of the woodland and value to wildlife. Water was transported in drums to site….
Water was transported in drums to site…. ….and all trees and wildflower plugs were kept watered.
….and all trees and wildflower plugs were kept watered. Volunteers gather on a Saturday morning to address the problem.
Volunteers gather on a Saturday morning to address the problem. The tree saplings had surged in intensity this year and had to be removed.
The tree saplings had surged in intensity this year and had to be removed. It proved more difficult than it at first appeared, as their roots had quickly established themselves firmly in the ground….
It proved more difficult than it at first appeared, as their roots had quickly established themselves firmly in the ground…. ….but eventually the task was achieved.
….but eventually the task was achieved. All boxes were checked, cleaned out and maintained.
All boxes were checked, cleaned out and maintained. The damaged boxes were removed…..
 The damaged boxes were removed….. ….and replacement boxes were provided in their place.
 ….and replacement boxes were provided in their place. Each heavy box had to be carried up to box height….
 Each heavy box had to be carried up to box height…. ….and securely fixed in position.
 ….and securely fixed in position. All this owl box activity was closely scrutinised by the indigenous wildlife population sharing the location with us.
All this owl box activity was closely scrutinised by the indigenous wildlife population sharing the location with us. This area was becoming increasingly more attractive to wildlife….
This area was becoming increasingly more attractive to wildlife…. ….due to the care and attention it was receiving from group volunteers.
….due to the care and attention it was receiving from group volunteers. Many hours are spent each year keeping the site in prime condition.
Many hours are spent each year keeping the site in prime condition. All volunteers engaged fully with their tasks….
All volunteers engaged fully with their tasks…. .…and ensured each was completed satisfactorily.
.…and ensured each was completed satisfactorily. However busy the volunteers were, time was always found to appreciate the surrounding natural environment.
However busy the volunteers were, time was always found to appreciate the surrounding natural environment. This volunteer attention is increasingly benefitting the indigenous wildlife, like this slow worm witnessed on the site this year.
This volunteer attention is increasingly benefitting the indigenous wildlife, like this slow worm witnessed on the site this year. Our tractor volunteer began the huge task of cutting the meadow.
Our tractor volunteer began the huge task of cutting the meadow. With such a huge area to tackle it took many hours to complete.
With such a huge area to tackle it took many hours to complete. The college student volunteers methodically began tackling the task before them.
The college student volunteers methodically began tackling the task before them. They progressed from one end of the meadow leaving the hay in lines for later collection.
They progressed from one end of the meadow leaving the hay in lines for later collection. Progressively, the work spread across the area.
Progressively, the work spread across the area. Some students found time to enjoy the presence of the local wildlife.
Some students found time to enjoy the presence of the local wildlife. A common toad seeks shelter from all the activity.
A common toad seeks shelter from all the activity. A caterpillar scurries to the sanctuary of some surrounding untouched habitat….
A caterpillar scurries to the sanctuary of some surrounding untouched habitat…. ….and a shield bug observes all from a distance.
….and a shield bug observes all from a distance. After the raking into rows, the hay was then transported to central stacks for eventual disposal.
After the raking into rows, the hay was then transported to central stacks for eventual disposal.
 Volunteers man a group publicity table.
Volunteers man a group publicity table.
 The audience gather for the evenings events.
The audience gather for the evenings events.
 Leif then gave them an extremely interesting talk for the rest of the evening which was very well received.
Leif then gave them an extremely interesting talk for the rest of the evening which was very well received. In the intervals between, Leif sold his book that the talk was based on.
In the intervals between, Leif sold his book that the talk was based on. He personally signed all of the large number of copies sold.
He personally signed all of the large number of copies sold. The stall as it appeared after being set-up.
The stall as it appeared after being set-up. Volunteers took turns to demonstrate the work of the group to visitors.
Volunteers took turns to demonstrate the work of the group to visitors. The stall remained on display until 6.00pm when the Super Sunday event closed.
The stall remained on display until 6.00pm when the Super Sunday event closed.