{"id":2702,"date":"2019-07-29T13:18:36","date_gmt":"2019-07-29T12:18:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.carvecarrbridge.com\/?page_id=2702"},"modified":"2022-08-19T10:02:02","modified_gmt":"2022-08-19T09:02:02","slug":"woodland-path-owls","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.carvecarrbridge.com\/about-the-activities\/carving-trail\/woodland-path-owls\/","title":{"rendered":"Woodland Path Owls"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Owls are supreme hunters of the night and low-light hours.\u00a0 Using their exceptional hearing and noiseless flight it is a lucky mouse or vole that can escape their talons.<\/span><\/p>\n

The links below go to external sites such as RSPB and Scottish Wildlife Trust give more detail information for those who want more detail, including call sounds.<\/p>\n

Around Carrbridge there are 4 species of owl that occur: <\/span>Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, Long-eared Owl and Short-eared Owl<\/b>.\u00a0 Of these the species most often seen and certainly heard is the Tawny Owl, the wise owl<\/a> of ancient mythology and Nursery Rhyme.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tawny Owls \u00a0<\/b><\/a>Strix <\/span><\/i>aluco are very vocal serenading the night with the familiar \u201c<\/span>To-whoo<\/span><\/i>\u201d.\u00a0 Females give the \u201c<\/span>To-whit<\/span><\/i>\u201d or \u201cEe-wick\u201d call.<\/span><\/p>\n

Barn Owls <\/b><\/a>Tyto alba<\/span><\/i> are ghostly, pale hunters of open pasture and nest in old buildings, barns and readily take to nest boxes.\u00a0 Their screeching call can be quite unsettling.<\/span><\/p>\n

The long ears of the <\/span>Long-eared Owl<\/b><\/a> Asio otus <\/span><\/i>are not actually ears at all, but instead feathers that are used in display.\u00a0 This owl has stunning orange eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Short-eared Owl<\/a><\/b> Asio <\/span><\/i>flammeus is a bird of open moorland and is a day-flying owl.\u00a0 With long, pale wings and bright yellow eyes it searches for Short-tailed Field Voles among the heather.<\/span><\/p>\n

All owls have asymmetrical ear openings and a facial disc of feathers that help the owl hear tiny sounds almost in 3D.\u00a0 The feathers on the wings are \u201ccombed\u201d, this breaks up the airflow keeping their flight silent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thank you to the local Cairngorm National Park Ranger<\/a> for the above information<\/p>\n

Polite request<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Please be aware of the uneven terrain in woodland areas and wear appropriate footwear.<\/span><\/p>\n

Please take care when crossing roads.<\/span><\/p>\n

If walking dogs please ensure you pick up and deposit in the Dog poo bins<\/span><\/p>\n