2024 a complete disaster

To end the 2024 breeding season my ringer and I ringed all my Barn Owl chicks. Following on from the disastrous year I encountered whilst ringing my Pied Flycatcher and Redstart chicks, I had hoped for at least eight broods of Barn Owl to ring.

Unfortunately Barn Owls look like they have been affected by the harsh weather conditions with only four broods to ring. Nest box after nest box drew a blank but all with fresh pellets present. Lee and I both agreed that numerous Barn Owls have been affected by the cold and wet conditions through February to May. Many chose not to breed or may consider a late clutch such was the case in one of my nest boxes. As you can see in the images below I came across a late brood of chicks. These won't be ready to ring for at least five to six weeks.

So 2024 has definitely been the worst year for me and I am sure other nest box projects will report the same. My worry for the future is insect eating birds will continue to decline and sadly a possibility of losing certain species all together. Obviously I hope I am wrong but climate change is definitely a real threat.

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