Rare visitor to Castle Ward estate

Rare visitor to Castle Ward estate

22 May 2013

THE beautiful scenery of County Down may attract tourists but now it has attracted a new winged visitor.

Tawny owls are the most common and widespread owl in Britain, but naturalists have been scratching their heads after one was spotted perched in a tree in Castle Ward.

National Trust Coast and Countryside Manager, David Thompson, said that while this tawny owl may be a pioneer of its species, a dramatic change in weather may see more foreign species visiting local shores.

Northern Irish naturalists once told me that I would never see a snake in Ireland because St. Patrick banished them, and they also told me I wouldn’t see a tawny owl,” said David. “But lo and behold one is spotted in County Down which has pioneered across the Irish Sea from neighbouring Scotland or Wales.

“After the Ice Age a lot of birds and insects immigrated but certain species didn’t make it. Some birds wouldn’t fly that long journey which included the tawny owl.

“I believe the strong winds throughout the last few months have probably blown the bird off course, especially from a strong easterly point.

“The bird may have become disorientated, or perhaps it has a pioneering spirit and has made its way to Northern Ireland. That’s generally theory, but it would make it a first for Ireland as there’s no records of the tawny owl.

“Some species won’t survive being different but if they do, it’s a an advantage to nature.”

However, the owl in Castle Ward is a male and needs a female and local people have reported hearing him calling during his six week stay.

“The owl might stay or else leave because it’s his base instinct to find his own kind. It might be another 50 years before we see another tawny owl,” said David.

“”Weather experts have predicted that Ireland will see stronger winds over the coming years, even during the summer months.

“Some species of birds will get pushed off course and we could end up seeing birds all the way from America,” he said.