Talks for Nature Lovers from the B.B.C.



165



the analysis of the pellets thrown out by the Owls after feeding.

Experiments have been carried out at the London Zoo to find out

how far these pellets are an index of the birds 5 total food. In his

talk Mr. Harrisson described exactly how you could co-operate,

and outlined the whole progress of the inquiry to date.


There is no doubt that the Little Owl is very beneficial to the

farmer, and it is extremely doubtful if it is anywhere near as harmful

to the game lover as has previously been supposed. The well-known

story of the owl killing pheasant chicks and laying them out to catch

carrion beetles has never been confirmed by a good unbiased observer.

It ranks in the same category as the snake swallowing its young.

Moreover in the great many pellets examined to date, thousands of

beetles have been found, but not a carrion beetle. There is no doubt

that the Little Owl does kill young game birds in the first few days

of their life, in some places. The co-operation of the landowner and

of keepers is urgently needed to assess the real extent and value of

this damage in relation to the beneficial services rendered in killing

innumerable harmful insects and rodents.


It is a lovely little bird. Let it be given a fair trial. The maximum

of reliable witnesses are wanted to appear. The way of locating pellets

and larders, and of distinguishing them from those of other Owls and

the Kestrel Hawk was described in the talk. The schedule form that

goes with the inquiry was published in advance in the Radio Times ,

and later in the Listener ; Mr. Harrisson explained it in his talk.


Miss Hibbert-Ware has evidence to show that in the past few years

the bird has decreased considerably, quite apart from persecution.


We hope that as many people as possible will co-operate in making

this report nation-wide, and representative of all points of view and

of all parts of the country. Later in the year you will be informed

of the course of the inquiry and its results.



