The Little Owl - Small But Brave

Explore the fascinating world of the Little Owl (Athene noctua) in this informative lecture by Ronald van Harxen. Discover the characteristics of this small but brave species, native to semi-open, small-scale cultural landscapes in Western Europe. Learn about their traditional breeding habits in burrows, high stem apple trees, pollard willows, and manmade buildings, as well as the increasing use of nest boxes. Examine reproduction trends, clutch sizes, and the relationship between offspring numbers and prey availability. Delve into the owl's diverse diet, including voles, mice, insects, frogs, and even birds, as revealed by camera research. Understand the challenges faced by Little Owls due to agricultural intensification and habitat loss, and the importance of volunteer efforts in protecting this beautiful species. Gain insights from van Harxen's 40 years of amateur research on Little Owl distribution, numbers, reproduction, and diet in the Netherlands. This comprehensive lecture offers a deep dive into the life and conservation of the Little Owl, presented by an experienced researcher and author in the field.