We can discover more and more places in the villages, cities and forests on the trees Short-eared owls. Under a program organized in Szolnok, we can also observe these nocturnal birds of prey under expert supervision. While glancing at an owl, we can also get an answer to the question of why these animals “move” near buildings and people during the winter season.
– Birds are supposed to come to cities, villages and populated areas because it is safer among buildings than in remote forests, wastelands and agricultural fields – summarizes Csaba Pálinkás.
The head of the Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok District Local Group of the Hungarian Ornithological Society explained that in their natural environment they can “meet” an eagle, a falcon or even a falcon at any time, but in settlements they are less likely to fall victim to them.
– In addition to all this, obtaining food is also a very important aspect. The specialist explained that lemmings also retreat in the cold, so owls find food easier and more in cities and around settlements, and it’s also warmer in these places.
Therefore, barn owls can be observed walking through the streets of cities. There are telltale signs, we can easily identify “owl trees”, because the so-called lime is visible on their trunks, which is caused by bird droppings.
In addition, under the trees there is spittle, which consists of the indigestible parts of predators, bones and fur. Those interested can also see such things on the owl-watching trails in the city center in Szolnok. Organized by the local group of the Hungarian Society of Ornithology and Nature Conservation and Aba-Novák Agóra, on November 25, December 2 and December 9 it will be possible to observe birds of prey in the city center from the county seat under the supervision of an expert.
– We organized similar tours last year too, and we hope that this year we will be able to discover where the owls congregate. For three Fridays, I will wait for those interested in front of the old building of the Agóra at 3:00 pm, and from there we will begin an easy one-and-a-half hour city tour. If someone can come in less time, of course they can join us in a shorter section – Csaba Pálinkás drew attention to the event.
In Szolnok, the short-eared owls like to “daytime” in several places, that is, they spend their time during the day, such as the streets of Szapáry and Magyar, and we can see them in greater numbers on the trees in the yard of István Széchenyi High School.
Nocturnal birds of prey like our county in particular
Every year, the Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society announces a national survey of the wintering sites of the great-eared owl. Anyone can take part in the “work”, be it an experienced birder or “just” a volunteer nature walker. With the help of the useful results, it is possible to learn more and more about the owls’ wintering places, and in some cases to protect the trees that provide a roosting place for dozens of animals during this period. This survey was also conducted at the beginning of this year, and participants noted significantly fewer owls than in previous years. Our province is still a favorite among short-eared owls, and the largest number of copies have been recorded in Kisújszállás and Túrkev.
