Quantock Hills Blog
DESPITE THE COLD VOLUNTEERS TURN OUT
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Posted by Andy Harris on 23 February 2010
In a previous blog I wrote about an afternoon we spent with Chris Sperring from the Hawk and Owl Trust as we learnt how to use a recall method for surveying Long Eared Owls (LEO). This involves playing a CD of a calling male LEO to entice other males or a female to call back.
So on Friday 19th February, with a brilliantly clear night sky and very cold temperatures, 12 volunteers went out in small groups throughout Great Wood to undertake a second evening of surveying for Long-Eared Owls. Our first night (6th Feb) drew a blank but on this occasion, not long after the survey began, I received a text from Chris saying “Got one”. Although this is the only record so far it, is exciting especially as it was fairly near where we put some nesting baskets last year so we shall monitor this area very carefully.
This survey is fairly time bound (we have three more survey nights still to do) as LEOs can only be heard calling for the duration of their breeding season (Jan – March) unlike their relatives the Tawny Owl which can be heard at any time of year. I shall keep you posted on how things develop.
As well as working with the Quantock Hills AONB Service Chris is also working with the Mendip Hills AONB Service and Forestry Commission surveying the whole of the South West so if you’re interested you can keep up to date with how things are going via his blog at http://chrissperring.blogspot.com/
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