Irish Birding Sighting Record

Website : www.irishbirding.com
Sighting URL : https://www.irishbirding.com/birds/web/Display/sighting/142763/Barn_Owl.html
Sighting Ref : IB142763
Sighting Date : 17 Jul 21
Common Name : Barn Owl
Scientific Name : Tyto alba
Location : River Slaney Valley
County : Wexford
Number Seen : 1
Principal Observer(s) : Anthony Walsh Not Specified
Reported By : Not Specified
Comments : Observed unusual hunting behaviour that I haven’t see before, in that the bird dropped suddenly while overflying the river itself and I could see it clearly pick something off the river with its feet. I think it must have been taking the big sedge flies that skitter across the still glides in that section of river. I would have noticed if it was a rat or such like swimming across the river that it took, as it was directly below where I was fishing and I got a very clear view. I see one or sometimes two generally when I’m wading in the river Sea Trout fishing through dusk. This is the first time I have seen one take a prey item from the river. It was same as they take a prey item on land, a sudden pounce or drop outstretched feet first. Got a really good view as bird didn’t see me.