Barn owls in County Fermanagh have experienced a successful breeding season, with 10 chicks recorded at two undisclosed locations. This marks the first time chicks are thought to have been recorded in the county in 50 years.
The breeding success follows more than a decade of conservation work by Ulster Wildlife, in collaboration with local farmers. Efforts have included installing nest boxes and improving habitat for the birds, which are considered rare and locally endangered.
Katy Bell, a senior conservation officer from Ulster Wildlife, highlighted the importance of both nest boxes and farmers' willingness to adapt land management. She noted that thick hedgerows, rough areas, and long grass are crucial for hunting, alongside suitable nesting sites.
The chicks have been fitted with identification rings, the first time this is known to have occurred under licence from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, with support from the British Trust for Ornithology. This will allow them to be traced if spotted after leaving the nest.
Barn owl numbers have declined across the UK over the past 50 years, with the birds now red-listed due to habitat loss and pesticide use. People are encouraged to report any barn owl sightings across Northern Ireland, particularly in the west, to help gather more data and protect breeding areas.