Barn Owl Watch Week
Date: 24 August 2026 - 30 August 2026
Venue: Ulster Wildlife, Derry, Derry / Strabane, Derry, BT3 9LE
Have you seen a barn owl? Every sighting counts! Barn owls are one of Northern Ireland's rarest birds, with fewer than 30 breeding pairs remaining. During Barn Owl Watch Week (24–30 August), Ulster Wildlife is encouraging you to keep an eye out for these beautiful birds and report their sightings.
Have you seen a barn owl? Every sighting counts!
Barn owls are one of Northern Ireland's rarest birds, with fewer than 30 breeding pairs remaining. During Barn Owl Watch Week (24–30 August), Ulster Wildlife is encouraging you to keep an eye out for these beautiful birds and report their sightings.
Barn owls are often known as "the farmer's friend" because they help keep natural small mammal populations, including rats and mice, in check. With many barn owls living and hunting across farmland, farmers and landowners play an important role in helping to understand and protect this threatened species.
This year, the local nature conservation charity is particularly keen for sightings from western counties of Northern Ireland, where records remain limited.
Seen a barn owl? Report it – even if you're not completely sure what you saw. Every verified record helps build a better picture of where barn owls are found and where conservation action is needed.
Barn Owl Watch Week is 24–30 August, but you can report a barn owl sighting at any time of year.
Report your sighting: https://bit.ly/4wZ3GFA