Sussex Barn Owl Group (SBOG)
On the morning of 30th December 2025, SBOG received a call from the bailiff at Seaford Angling Club reporting a Barn Owl entangled in discarded fishing tackle in a tree adjacent to the River Ouse.
As it turned out, the bird – a second calendar year male – was in a critical condition. One wing hung lifelessly, saturated in blood, and initial assessment offered little hope of survival. The owl was immediately transferred to a casualty centre and placed in the care of the Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS).
The fishing line had caused significant damage, with skin on the wing breaking down due to bruising and pressure sustained prior to rescue. Following minor surgical intervention, the wing healed perfectly.
On 11th January, Terry Hallahan, SBOG leader, visited WRAS to ring a group of rehabilitated birds of prey ahead of their release, including a Common Buzzard, Tawny Owl, and Barn Owl. It was only upon checking the finding details that the remarkable connection was made – the Barn Owl was the very same bird rescued on 30th December.
The owl was fitted with a metal and colour ring under the SBOG and BTO scheme (white letters AVX on red) before being successfully released by WRAS at the original site of rescue on 18th January 2026.
This rescue forms part of an ongoing joint project to ring and colour mark rehabilitated birds of prey prior to release. All birds are vet-certified as 100% fit before ringing.
No animal should suffer as a result of discarded items – please always ensure you tidy up after yourself when you are out and about, to minimise the chance of an animal hurting themselves as a result.
Barn Owl release video link https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1AfHFfsDkj/
Sussex Barn Owl Group are studying dispersal of Barn Owl chicks and movement of adults so please report all colour ring sightings to info@sussexbarnowlgroup.org
Terry Hallahan February 2026
