Whether it’s the ghostly silhouette of a hunting barn owl or the eeriness of a tawny owl’s hoot, owls are emblematic of the British countryside. These birds represent key umbrella species in the food chain, offering insight into the broader health of the ecosystem. Various organisations are leading the charge in monitoring, conserving and raising awareness about the importance of these birds in the farmed environment.
For our members who attended Gloucestershire’s Silver Pintail award, you will have heard the Owl Conservation Project’s excellent presentation touching upon the threat that livestock water troughs can pose to owls. Like many birds, owls bathe in shallow water to maintain the durability and structure of their feathers. Unfortunately, due to the steep sides of water troughs and their proximity to frequented habitats, owls of all species, as well as raptors such as kestrels, have been found dead in drinking troughs. It has been noted that this is particularly prevalent during the summer months as adult female barn owls will seek water to wash themselves after 2 weeks of sitting on eggs. Fledged juveniles in the late summer and autumn are also at risk due to their inexperience around such deep water.
The Barn Owl Trust has designed a cheap and relatively simple solution to this challenge; a water trough float. This consists of a timber frame, with strong mesh between, supported by a buoyant material such as polystyrene. The float is buoyant enough to support the weight of an owl yet remains easy for cattle and sheep to push down to drink.
Author: George Brock – Farm Environment Adviser.
For a step-by-step guide and more information, follow the link below to the