Large gradation of common vole population in spring 2023 led to a remarcable breeding record of 71 - 73 pairs of short-eared owl in fields around city Olomouc in Morava region (east Czechia).
Short-eared owl breeds in Czechia only occasionally and in low numbers. But when small rodents population cycle shows its peak, many nomadic pairs try to breed in agricultural fields.
This year, owls used mostly rapeseed and winter wheat fields. Around 50% of controlled pairs failed. Also large mortality of adult birds was noted, both by crashes with cars on roads and by natural mortality (birds of prey etc.).
Now chicks are leaving nests, learn to fly and soon be independent. If you happen to travel to/near Olomouc, best observation chances are in fields on both banks of river Morava, up to 15 km north and south of city Olomouc.
Source
Short-eared owl breeds in Czechia only occasionally and in low numbers. But when small rodents population cycle shows its peak, many nomadic pairs try to breed in agricultural fields.
This year, owls used mostly rapeseed and winter wheat fields. Around 50% of controlled pairs failed. Also large mortality of adult birds was noted, both by crashes with cars on roads and by natural mortality (birds of prey etc.).
Now chicks are leaving nests, learn to fly and soon be independent. If you happen to travel to/near Olomouc, best observation chances are in fields on both banks of river Morava, up to 15 km north and south of city Olomouc.
Source