Have you seen a Barn Owl in Co. Leitrim?
Have you seen a Barn Owl, know of a Barn Owl nest site or have installed a Barn Owl nest box in Leitrim? If the answer is “yes”, then we’d love to hear from you! To report this information, please visit: BirdwatchIreland
BirdWatch Ireland and Leitrim County Council have launched the 2025 Leitrim Barn Owl Survey, which is a new initiative aimed at identifying Barn Owl nest sites across County Leitrim. John Lusby of BirdWatch Ireland delivered a fascinating talk about Barn Owls to a full audience in The Landmark Hotel during Biodiversity Week 2025.
The primary goal of the survey is to establish the current status and distribution of Barn Owls in Co. Leitrim by locating nest and roost sites, as well as identifying any Barn Owl nest boxes that have been installed throughout the county. This will allow conservationists to gain a clearer understanding of the local Barn Owl population and to implement targeted conservation measures to support the species.
Barn Owls are most often found nesting in old and derelict buildings, tree cavities, and specially installed nest boxes in quiet, undisturbed locations. They are strictly nocturnal and feed mainly on small mammals such as mice, rats and voles, making them important natural pest controllers.
The survey will run throughout the summer of 2025, with fieldwork being carried out by BirdWatch Ireland. All sightings and information provided by the public will be treated in confidence. Anyone with information about Barn Owls in Leitrim is encouraged to get in touch by visiting the Barn Owl Survey page on the BirdWatch Ireland website BirdwatchIreland , or emailing any information to amccarthy@birdwatchireland.ie
The survey is being undertaken by BirdWatch Ireland and is funded by Leitrim County Council, with support from the National Parks and Wildlife Service through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund.
See link for interview with John Lusby of BirdWatch Ireland John Lusby interview with Leitrim Observer
