Are Owls declining in Scotland?? (1 Viewer)

[sthwild]

I’m currently on holiday in Scotland and after a week of camping, I haven’t seen a single owl. Been looking from 6a.m. until 11 p.m. every day. Driving and walking through the forests, farms and fields north, east and south of Inverness. I was hoping to see Barn owls, Shorties or Long eared owls. I haven’t even heard a distinctive call of a Tawny. There is a text book habitat for all species but haven’t seen any. All I’ve seen was 2-3 golden eagles, 2 ospreys, few buzzards and one kestrel!

 

[Merlin]

I’m currently on holiday in Scotland and after a week of camping, I haven’t seen a single owl. Been looking from 6a.m. until 11 p.m. every day. Driving and walking through the forests, farms and fields north, east and south of Inverness. I was hoping to see Barn owls, Shorties or Long eared owls. I haven’t even heard a distinctive call of a Tawny. There is a text book habitat for all species but haven’t seen any. All I’ve seen was 2-3 golden eagles, 2 ospreys, few buzzards and one kestrel!

Is it just Scotland?

 

[Mono]

Whereabouts in Scotland? I was on the Uists in June and was knee-deep in Short-eared Owls.

 

[sthwild]

Whereabouts in Scotland? I was on the Uists in June and was knee-deep in Short-eared Owls.

Mainland. I’m staying near Forres just east of Inverness. But went as far as Ullapool and Dunnet Head and seen nothing

 

[YuShan]

I have never specifically looked for owls in Scotland, but on Mull Short-eared owl were conspicuous in 2012 when I was there. Especially the flat area near Loch Beg Bridge. Also good for Hen Harriers.