On the18, 20 and 21.07. 2005 we were at controlled breeding sites of barn owls in churches in the districts Ostrów Wielkopolski and Ostrzeszów. Young owls were found only in two places known from past seasons, one in each district. Due to the late term of control only the youngest birds were found in the nests. In total in July only 3 fledglings were ringed (two other observed birds escaped) and in one place, where 2 fledglings were caught, we found 10 eggs from second breed in the nest (later in September there were 3 unhatched eggs, the remains of 3 dead chickens and 3 fledglings which were ringed). At the same time there were controlled special nestboxes for these owls, but none were used by birds.
        In the past barn owls were a very common species in the country landscape, at present they are in decline in the whole of Poland. Since the year 2000, in Southern Wielkopolska. these birds have been researched and protected by members of PwG OTOP. Special thanks for taking part in this action to: Jerzy Bartuzi, Paweł T. Dolata, Łukasz after these birds: ks. Adam Kosmala and ks. Mariusz Pohl.

Paweł T. Dolata and Tomasz Ekiert with
Barn Owls. Phot. Maria Wyrowińska