Peterborough Bird Club annual report Tawny Owl Strix aluco | A | Common resident 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003
2003	Common resident. Present all year, but with most records during the first winter periods when calling birds are more noticeable. One or two birds reported from 19 sites across the PBC area with counts of three from Woodwalton Fen NNR on three occasions during January and February. Also three birds at Bassenhally on 20 Sep (SG) and at least ten recorded at Southwick Wood on 28 May (SPD, KAF). Breeding records received from five locations.
2002	Common resident. Reported from 16 locations, with most records referring to 1-2 birds. Larger counts included seven calling birds at Castor Hanglands NNR on 7 May (RA) and at least four calling at Woodwalton Fen NNR on 28 Dec (SPD). Breeding records were received from six locations.
2001	Common resident breeder. Tawny Owls are strictly nocturnal and most vocal in the first three months of the year, during which access to many known woodland breeding sites was restricted. However, in contrast to Little Owl, Tawnies are much more prepared to venture close to towns, so they could still be heard in urban areas and from roads. Up to two reported from 12 sites: Bainton GP (MW), Bluebell Wood (CHa), Deeping St James (BT), Elton (two) (BHS), Ferry Meadows CP (GRH), Longthorpe (two) (GRH), Lord’s Holt (RSPB), Orton Brimbles (two) (MJW), Pilsgate SF (PJP), Rice Wood (Helpston) (two) (RA) and Southey Wood (TW). Four pairs held territory on Milton Golf Course (WEW).
2000	Widespread resident. The status of this species is unclear, but it appears to be declining. This may be due, in part, to inadequate reporting and all records are required. Only reported from Castor Hanglands NNR, Deeping St James, Eldernell, Elton, Etton, Ferry Meadows CP, Helpston, Marholm, Market Deeping, Milton Park, Monk's Wood NNR, Morborne Hill, Mucklands Wood, Oxey Wood, Ramsey, Wansford, Woodcroft and Woodwalton Fen NNR, usually as singles but three called at Castor Hanglands NNR 12 Mar. One was ringed at Ferry Meadows CP 27 Aug.
1999	Common resident. Records biased towards habitation, with vocal birds in Deeping St James, Elton, Folksworth, Fotheringhay, Longthorpe, Market Deeping, Stilton, Thorney and Washingley. Three young were hunger-calling in Lord's Holt, Eldernell 25 Jun.
1998	Common resident. There were five pairs on Milton Golf Course. Other records came from Caldecote Wood, Yaxley, West Deeping, Washingley, Castor Hanglands NNR, Eastfield Road (Peterborough), Bedford Purlieus NNR, Nassington, Folksworth, Ferry Meadows CP, Longthorpe, Market Deeping and Peterborough Cathedral. Nene Washes: Breeds in the Eldernell area, probably in Lord's Holt.
	report home | species index | introduction | next species | contributors | contact