Peterborough Bird Club annual report Little Owl Athene noctua | C1 | Scarce resident 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003
2003	Scarce resident. Reported from 31 locations across the area, and as with Barn Owl, most records come from fenland areas. Most records were of single birds but two reported from five separate locations around Farcet Fen and also at Woodwalton Fen NNR (all SPD). Breeding records came from Poplar House Farm and Dog-in-a-Doublet on the Nene Washes (RSPB); five territories were recorded around Farcet Fen (SPD). The increase in territorial records from Farcet Fen is a result of increased observer coverage in the area; it is likely that the breeding population in the PBC area remains stable but in low numbers.
2002	Scarce resident Records came from 26 locations, with all records being of single birds with the exception of two seen regularly at Haddon and two at March Farmers. Breeding records in the Nene Washes area came from Bassimoor Farm, Poplar House Farm and Dog-in-a-Doublet (RSPB), with the only other breeding report coming from Milton Park (MAW).
2001	Scarce resident breeder. The species is widely distributed and was reported from 28 sites. It appears to prefer fenland and the hillier pasture to the west. Most reports were of single birds. Two seen together at March Farmers (off the washes), Thorney and Deeping High Bank. Two pairs were at Milton Golf Course (WEW). Perhaps surprisingly, there were no reports from the south of the region. The most curious record was of one apparently using a burrow at Baston & Langtoft GP 22 Jun (TW). Image © Trevor Williams. Click for a larger version.
2000	Uncommon resident. There were widespread reports in the first half of the year, usually of single birds, particularly from the fenland areas (which may only be due to the comparative ease of locating day-roosting birds where there is limited tree cover). There were only five post-breeding reports, however, no records were received to confirm breeding. Two pairs present at Milton Park. Odd willows are a particular favourite roost and nest site in all areas. A careful search of rooftops at dusk at fenland farms and small settlements can also be productive.
1999	Uncommon resident. No breeding proved, but seen regularly around Farcet and Yaxley Fens (AL, AF). Sites where occasional birds were seen include Thorney, Peakirk, Eldernell and Warmington. A pair was seen at a roost along Bridge Road, Werrington (TP).
1998	Scarce resident. The only proven breeding record concerned an adult with two young near Langtoft on 18 Jul (TW). Birds were noted at Ferry Meadows CP, Peakirk, Deeping bypass, Market Deeping, Sawtry Fen, Caldecote, Stanground Wash, Folksworth, Farcet and Eldernell. For the first time, there were no breeding birds at Milton Golf Course.
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