The BTO suspect that national Tawny Owl numbers might have
fallen by a third since 1994, which suggested a dramatic change.
Two national surveys were therefore arranged for autumn and
winter of 2005-06. The first survey was a repeat of the 1989 sample
point-count survey, and this was completed in early autumn 2005. The
preliminary results suggested, if anything, a slight increase in the
Hampshire population. Full local results are given in the 2005
Hampshire Bird Report.
The second survey was undertaken by garden bird-watchers, and
involved listening for Tawny Owls for a twenty-minute period each
week in their garden. This survey continued throughout the 2005-06
winter from October to April, and the results have demonstrated that
calling birds are much more likely to be heard during the early part
of the winter.
