Owl Spotting by Car

[PeterB]

OK, so I need some help. So far my only owl tick is a Little Owl which occasionally drops by the garden.

The roads to my village are tree lined (thanks to Baron Mayer de Rothschild) and unlit. Now it's dark early I regularly see owls flying from the trees and I read somewhere that they have adapted to use a passing cars lights to seek out mice and such, either that have been disturbed by the car or it's lights.

Problem is, I am having trouble identifying the owls, half lit by headlights, me doing over 30mph and the owl some similar speed.

I think the ones where I get a fairly decent view are Barn Owls, as they have bright under parts and that white face but for all I know it could be a Short Eared.

Anyone got any tips for IDing from a moving car at night?

[Dean Driving Instructor]

Make sure you're in the passenger seat - but then I'm a driving instructor...

Use full beam?

[PeterB]

Originally Posted by Dean Driving Instructor

Make sure you're in the passenger seat

Normally alone in the car and normally there is a take away curry on the passenger seat!!

Originally Posted by Dean Driving Instructor

I'm a driving instructor...

I did wonder how you chose that user name....

[Little Sparrow]

Familiiarise yourself with each Owl Peter! Use your field guide/s and images on the net. Check out which species is reported in your area if possible.
Are there any places that you could park in at dusk to have a scan around?

[Greenmillie64]

i thought SEO were diurnal but owls elude me too. Why not blog your experience? i'd love to read about your endeavours.

[Winterkoning]

Originally Posted by PeterB

Normally alone in the car and normally there is a take away curry on the passenger seat!!



I did wonder how you chose that user name....

Never mind the Owl..............Giveme the Curry........hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[PeterB]

Thanks Everyone.

If I get a curry tonight I will take the time and sit along the road where I see them most and see what I can see. I'll take my big flash and see if I can get a picture. I'll also order an extra papadum.

[Greenmillie64]

how did you get on ?

[PeterB]

I haven't tried yet Millie. I'll report back when I get the chance.

[Parus major]

Do be careful parking up at night with a flash camera claiming to be bird watching (with or without a curry)!!!
If your roads are tree lined your owls are very likely tawny, possibly long eared. In headlights the birds look much lighter coloured and can suggest a barn owl. At this time of year, stop and listen - owls are very vocal and I think you will hear t-wit t-woo!
David