Peterborough Bird Club annual report Barn Owl Tyto alba | A | Scarce resident 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003
2003	Scarce resident. Most records were during the two winter periods with irregular reports during the summer months. One or two birds recorded from 40 locations across the area, mostly from the fenland areas. Three were along the A605 near Eldernell on 15 Jan (PPa), with three at Deeping Lakes NR on 10 Apr (AA, PA) and four at Deeping High Bank on 8 Feb (TW). Breeding was confirmed at two locations at the Nene Washes, with one nest having large, flying young in January (RSPB). Two pairs attempted to breed at Farcet Fen but failed (SPD). Breeding was also suspected near Upwood (SPD, KAF).
2002	Scarce resident. Reports of 1-2 birds reported from 29 locations, mainly in the fens. Three birds reported from Deeping High Bank, Eldernell and Nene Washes. Breeding noted at Eldernell Pits and at Bassenhally Farm, where they were thought to be double-brooded. Elsewhere, breeding recorded at Northey, Upper Knarr Fen, Woodwalton Fen NNR and Woodwalton Church End. The pair at the NNR were seen to bring seven prey items in 30 minutes, whilst the pair at Woodwalton Church End did not fledge their young until the start of December (both DMcN).
2001	Scarce resident breeder and rare winter migrant. Eldernell remains the most reliable site to see this uncommon but popular resident. This site produced the highest count of four on 26 Nov (JT), but up to three could be seen here throughout the year. Other records came mainly from the Welland and Nene river valleys and the fenland between them: Baston Fen NR (WB), Crowland Wash (MJW), Deeping Common (BT), Deeping High Bank (MC, AD, BT), March Farmers (MF), Newborough (DB), Prior’s Fen GP (GW, MW), Stone Bridge Corner (GW), Tallington (TSt), Thorney (MW), Thurlby Slipe (WB) and Deeping Lakes NR (BT, TW). One at Conington 4 Nov (RL) is notable for being the only record away from the fenland areas of the north and east. There were no confirmed breeding records but pairs present at Eldernell Pit, Bassenhally Farm and Bassnimoor Farm (RSPB). One was seen taking two Bank Voles Clethrionomys glareolus in the same kill at Eldernell on 3 Nov (GRH).
2000	Uncommon resident. Records from fenland areas (with a high dependency on nestboxes), but elsewhere only one reported from Elton 14 Jul. Known to be breeding at several sites, including 5-6 territories around the Nene Washes. Two pairs bred successfully on Conington Fen and one pair was along River Nene North Bank. Up to three could be seen hunting at Eldernell in March, a very reliable site for the species.
1999	Uncommon resident. Well-recorded around the Deepings and the Nene Washes. Four birds were seen together at Eldernell in June and November and five pairs bred adjacent to the reserve. Breeding was confirmed at Crowtree (Farcet Fen), Baston Fen and Baston & Langtoft GP.
1998	Scarce resident. Birds were well-recorded, with sightings from Crowland Crossroads, Newborough, Thorney, Oxney Road East, Flag Fen, Peakirk, Deeping High Bank, Yaxley, Farcet, Dogsthorpe Star Pit NR, Baston & Langtoft GP, Langtoft, Baston Fen NR, Milton Golf Course and Deeping St Nicholas. Nene Washes: Breeding pairs were at Eldernell Pits, Bassnimoor Farm and Bank Farm. There was no evidence of breeding from Bassenhally. A bird showing characteristics of the continental race guttata was at Eldernell from 10 Jan-8 Feb, roosting in the same barn as the resident alba pair! Up to three were at Eldernell in December.
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