A Barn Owl on the Prowl.

Nidderdale Moorland Group

The return of winter weather over the last few days has forced the local Barn Owls out hunting in daylight as they attempt to catch up on missed hunting due to the heavy snowfall we have experienced.

Prolonged periods of snow cover can lead to starvation, especially if the snow is deep or freezes.

Barn Owls have very long legs so as long as the snow remains shallow and powdery, they are capable of catching small prey mammals through the snow as they hunt by sound and can hear small movements under the snow.

This individual was spotted yesterday afternoon by one of our moorland gamekeepers hunting along the roadside on the moor.

Barn Owls need three Field Vole size meals a day to avoid starvation so will take any opportunity to hunt during spells of bad weather.