Long eared owl in South KK?

hoodie6029

Hi,

This is my first post in this form. Recently I was hearing what I thought was dog barking in the distance but as I listened more closely I realised it must be an owl of some description. I only hear it in darkness. This evening I heard it when back door is open so it was very clear to me. So obviously hard to describe a sound in text but the best way I can describe it is that sounds like too short barks from a small dog but not quite like a dog.

I had a listen to some owl sounds on YouTube and the Birdwatch website and it seems to be pointing towards been a long Earred owl. The only problem I can see what that is apparently they do not call in the winter time. Has anyone on this forum heard one of these birds before or north there in the South Kilkenny area?

Thanks in advance

lucalux

If you can record the sound on a quiet night and stick it up here you'll get the best idea.

Alternatively, it's worth trying to check it on the Merlin birding app. Not perfect, but can be good.

I've often heard the owlets looking for food at night, in the summer. Like a squeaking gate from dusk to dawn.

Some of the adult (female) sounds are very like a dog barking alright, going by recordings online

Gorgeous birds to spot and have nearby!

hoodie6029

Cheers, I’ll get that app. I don’t know how I’d record them unfortunately. They make a call with two sounds and then they are gone but I’ll think on it 🙂

lucalux

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121617558#Comment_121617558

plenty of quiet still nights this week (hopefully!)

If you had time to stand out for a minute or two at a time with a notes/voice recorder app open on your phone,you might catch them.

I know it's like a dog doing tricks, when you want them to call, they won't 😅

The Merlin app saves your recordings and shows the wave forms though, so probably just easier to try that one out first, as I'm fairly sure you can upload the recordings here then if you get them

hoodie6029

Those are great tips, thanks.

I normally hear him/her (no idea) on the roof late at night, after 11. Last night I heard them in a different place at about 7. It was very dark and I had the back door open for a few mins with the light on. Makes we wonder if they saw the light and came over to use it to hunt for prey.

Might try the same tactic tonight to see if I can attract them.

Boardnashea

You must have a great tank of oil for the boiler to be leaving the door open these cold evenings. 😄

Best of luck with the search.

hoodie6029

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121622230#Comment_121622230

Hehe! I had it open for less than 10 mins to get the smell of cooking out of the house. Pure coincidence I heard it!

Hasn't been a hoot since but I’m still listening out.

gzoladz

Intriguing...they cannot be owlets at this time of the year. My first thought was squirrel (they do bark) or fox (they are starting their mating activities).

hoodie6029

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121652516#Comment_121652516

It certainly sounds like it was coming from the roof but it could be an echo either I suppose. I trust the more knowledgeable poster here, of course.

No sound in the last week but I’ll keep listen to hopefully find out what creature it is