Join in city owl survey!
The 'tu-whit', 'tu-whoo' call of the tawny owl is one of the most recognisable bird sounds in our skies and The Parks Trust is calling for all owl-lovers to listen out for this familiar hoot and help to survey our local owls.
Whilst the tawny owl is one of the UK's most numerous of our five native owl species, there is some concern that it is declining nationally, particularly in more urban areas.
To establish just how many tawny pairs we have nesting in Milton Keynes, The Parks Trust is conducting a survey at the end of January. The records collected will help The Trust to monitor and protect this beautiful and charismatic bird.
As part of its work to give the tawny owl a helping hand this spring The Parks Trust has placed ten new owl nest boxes in mature woodland locations around Milton Keynes.
Their natural nest sites are large tree cavities, but these sites are becoming increasingly rare. Since the tawny owl nests early in the year, from February onwards, there is no time to lose.
For those interested in joining the survey a training session will be run at the Cricket Pavilion, Campbell Park at 8pm on Thursday 24th January. Following a short presentation on owl identification and behaviour, the group will head outdoors and listen to tawny owls calling.
Places are limited, so if you would like to come along please call Martin Kincaid on 01908 255376 or email m.kincaid@theparkstrust.com to book a place.
If you are unable to come along but would still like to help, you can report any tawny owls you hear close to where you live (particularly around housing estates and towns).
Remember, despite being relatively common, the tawny owl is strictly nocturnal and rarely seen even by keen birdwatchers, so be sure to listen out for the tell-tale calls.
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Weather for Milton Keynes
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
