Barn Owls are one of Britain’s most iconic and mesmerising birds, their ghostly white shape drifting silently over fields and fens at dusk. However, their beauty and unique hunting style put them in grave danger when it comes to roads.
While out with my camera recently, I captured a couple of photos of Barn Owls flying over and alongside a road—an all too familiar sight, and a stark reminder of why so many are tragically hit by cars. These birds often hunt low over grass verges, where the shorter grass attracts small mammals such as voles and mice. With their focus locked onto the ground below, they are often unaware of the fast-moving traffic around them until it’s too late.
If you're driving in rural areas, particularly near farmland and wetlands, slowing down at dawn and dusk can make all the difference. Small actions like these can help protect one of our most enchanting birds and prevent unnecessary loss.
It’s always a privilege to watch these owls in action, but it’s bittersweet knowing that their breathtaking flight is often cut short by human activity. Hopefully, with greater awareness and conservation efforts, we can reduce the number of Barn Owls lost to our roads.
Have you ever had a close encounter with a Barn Owl while driving? Share your experiences in the comments below.
