The 2025 barn owl breeding season in Belgium has started on a weak note, according to Kerkuilwerkgroep Vlaanderen. Early inspections on July 3, 2025, reveal many nest boxes remain empty, raising concerns about the species’ local reproductive success. While some barn owls are still present in certain areas, they often show no signs of breeding and are already molting, suggesting they may not attempt to nest this year.
- Kerkuilwerkgroep meldt zwak broedseizoen 2025
- Veel nestkasten blijven leeg bij controles
- Kerkuilen vaak aanwezig zonder broedsel
- Vogels vertonen rui, stoppen broeden
- Kleine nesten met 2-3 jongen gemiddeld
- Definitieve resultaten worden nog afgewacht
Notably, the size of owl broods appears smaller than usual. Most nests, such as those in Aartselaar, report only two or three hatchlings, a decline from previous years. What could be causing this drop in barn owl breeding activity? And how might this impact local biodiversity?
As we await final results later in the season, early signs point to challenges for barn owl populations in Flanders, prompting questions about habitat quality and food availability.
Why is the barn owl breeding season weaker this year? Factors such as habitat disturbance, prey scarcity, or climate variations might be influencing breeding success. Key points to consider include:
- Many nest boxes remain unoccupied during initial checks.
- Owls present are often molting and not breeding.
- Broods tend to be smaller, with only two or three chicks per nest.
Monitoring will continue throughout the season to better understand these Trends. Local communities and conservation groups are encouraged to support habitat protection and report barn owl sightings to help safeguard this iconic species’ future in Belgium.
