A STUDY OF THE LONG-EARED OWL ASIO-OTUS USING WICKER NESTING BASKETS

In an attempt to increase the number of breeding pairs of Long-eared O wls at Woodwalton Fen National Nature Reserve, wicker baskets of varyi ng design were placed throughout the reserve. Between 1981 and 1996, o wls used the baskets on 77 occasions. Of 71 nests followed from incuba tion, 59.2% hatched young and 50.7% fledged one or more chicks. In onl y two nests wee the complete clutches hatched and fledged. Early neste rs laid larger clutches and raised more broods than those nesting late r in the season. It is suggested that the level of the water table and the management regime necessary for the restoration of open fen commu nities affect the number of breeding owls.