A new study has revealed that owl sightings have risen sharply in the capital, with Londoners increasingly seeing the birds in green areas and back gardens.
There were just 25 barn owl sightings in London in 2010, compared to 347 a decade later. In addition, reports of sightings of tawny owls have increased from 159 in 2010 to 894 in 2020.*
With this in mind, Sean McMenemy, wildlife expert from Ark Wildlife, has shared his insights into why owls are appearing more frequently in urban areas and what to do if you spot one. From how to identify different species to tips on attracting them to your garden, here’s everything you need to know about London’s growing owl population.
What should I do if I see a tawny or barn owl?
“Stop and savour the moment,” says Sean. “It’s a privilege to see one first-hand. They tend to be shy, so keep still and quiet. If you’re very lucky, they might even fly over your head, letting you witness the incredible soundproofing of their wings. Nothing compares to the silence of an owl in flight.”
How can I spot a tawny or barn owl?
“Tawny owls are almost exclusively identified by their iconic calls – ‘twit twoo’. The classic owl hoot has been ascribed to many owls but belongs to Tawny alone,” Sean continues.
“In fact, it’s shared between the two sexes. The male owl’s call is ‘Hoo-Hoo’ (twoo) and the female responds ‘Ke-wick’ (twit). Only when a pair is present do you get the full version.”
“Barn owls are one of the few owls you’re likely to see during daylight hours. On a fine summer evening, barn owls can be seen quartering across farmland and meadows on the hunt for voles. They are also prone to swooping down low over roads, which brings them into conflict with night drivers. So, beware when driving at night near bridges or tree-lined open country.
How can I attract them to my garden?
“Owls are not natural garden visitors. However, tawny owls have occasionally been known to regularly visit gardens, sometimes sitting atop bird tables or feeders, waiting for mice or scavenging leftover bird food. It just goes to show that by making a garden wildlife-friendly, you’ll attract more visitors than you might expect.”
“While you’re unlikely to attract owls to your garden directly, if they are already in the vicinity, putting up an appropriate owl nest box can encourage them to stay. Owls have quite specific nesting and roosting needs and will readily adopt well-constructed nest boxes.”
Should I feed owls?
“Owls prefer to hunt. Their typical prey includes voles and other small rodents. They’ll also take frogs and other small creatures they can carry. To attract them, it’s best to create a prey-rich habitat rather than resort to artificial feeding – although some people have had success feeding small pieces of carrion.”
Why are we seeing more owls in London?
“The increased sightings and rising numbers of owls in towns and cities could well be due to improving air quality, with low-emission zones and electric vehicles helping. Owls were historically vulnerable to lead poisoning from petrol and industrial pollution.”
“The combination of cleaner air, plentiful nesting sites in cemeteries and churches, and an abundant prey supply, thanks to booming city mouse and rat populations, makes urban areas appealing to a young pair of owl newlyweds.”
