Viewing Owls. Edinburgh

[DICANIO]

Evening All.

I live along the Water Of Leith. A beautiful little river valley carved through the centre of Edinburgh. I can see plenty of Dippers, Warblers, Finches, Wagtails, Mallards and even occasional Goosanders on my way to the office.

http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=747640257&k=S6AYYVV5QZYM5ECFUEY3YU

Every evening that I walk near here i can hear the distinctive hoots of Owls. Sometimes more than one. I have no idea what these birds are likely to be and would dearly love to get a look at them. Unfortunately the walk has absolutely no streetlighting.

So, does anyone have any tips on how i might get a look at these birds? Or what kind of Owl they might be?

Any help much appreciated

[Rare Visitor]

You can listen to the calls of the five UK species here at this link.

http://www.xeno-canto.org/europe/index.php

However they are most likely to be Tawny Owl. It would be unusual for Barn Owl to be in an urban environment, Little Owls are scarce in Scotland, Short-eared a bird of open moorland and Long-eared tend to favour dense conifer stands whilst TAwny will breed in urban parkalnd with mature trees.

[DICANIO]

Thanks. I think you're right about Tawny. Do you have any tips on seeing them? Or is it just a case of patience and a lot of carrots!!?