Visitors on Geltsdale’s Owl Evening (29th May) enjoyed a fine display of Short-eared Owl activity. Several birds emerged from their roost; allowing visitors to enjoy close up views of birds hunting over the heather in their acrobatic style. We were even treated to the marvellous aerial display of a territorial dispute.
Good views of lekking Black Grouse, Whinchat and Stonechat were also observed; whilst the Cuckoo and Sedge Warbler serenaded us throughout. As dusk fell, we were lucky enough to spot the Long-eared Owl, emerging from its nearby territory and compare it to the Short-eared Owl in flight and colour.
This is a fantastic year on the reserve for owls, due to a once in a lifetime vole plague. A normal vole cycle turns 3-5 years but the combination of the most mild winter and one of the warmest springs on record have produced conditions that occur only every 30 years – and owls are the beneficiaries. As a result, Geltsdale has a record 6 Long-eared Owl territories and double the number of Short-eared Owls; more than 20 pairs this year.
While Short-eared Owls are a nomadic species and follow food, Tawny Owls numbers are stable as they are less reliant on the vole cycle and do not fluctuate as much. Barn owls, however, have benefitted from the abundant food source and are resident in 3 locations around the reserve. Happily a pair are back in the visitor centre box, the first for 3 years; the previous residents having been wiped out by cold winters. These and the nearby Howgill pair are living on the edge of their range, at a very high altitude for the species. Although the Stagsike pair has not produced any eggs, the Howgill pair is feeding 6 young. Other Barn Owls in the vicinity are also producing large clutches and may well double brood.
Hopefully the warm weather will continue into June as the chicks fledge and visitors will be able to enjoy summer evenings at Geltsdale watching them take to the skies.
Jill J