In Pursuit of Carpathian Owls: A Marathon through Považský Inovec and the Strážov Mountains

One Monday in March, we received a special request from a client to observe the Ural Owl (Strix uralensis). We set out for the Považský Inovec mountain range, which serves as one of the closest nesting sites for this species near Bratislava.

Searching the Oak Forests of Inovec

We traversed various habitats, focusing primarily on ancient oak forests. Despite several hours of effort at a well-known locality, luck was not on our side this time. The Ural Owl (Strix uralensis) remained silent and did not show itself, even after attempts to lure it out. We suspect the reason was the advanced stage of the nesting season—the female was likely already brooding on her clutch, a time when these owls become extremely elusive.

However, the forest compensated for the loss with other treasures. At one spot, we had the unique opportunity to observe both of our treecreeper species—the Eurasian Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris) and the Short-toed Treecreeper (Certhia brachydactyla). In total, we recorded 20 bird species here, including 5 types of woodpeckers, with the highlight being the observation of a Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus).

Moving to the Strážov Mountains and an Attack by a Tiny Predator

Refusing to give up, we got back into the car and moved to the Strážov Mountains. Along the way, a majestic White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) greeted us from above. Our next stop was another known nesting site for the Ural Owl, but our goal also included the smallest European bird of prey—the Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum).

In the Strážov Mountains, we were welcomed by a natural concert where a Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) called out, soon followed by the Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum) itself. Although we tried once more to find the Ural Owl, after another hour we had to conclude that nesting instincts had once again won, and the female remained hidden on the nest.

We then returned our focus to the Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum). It provided us with a truly adrenaline-filled experience. It clearly didn’t appreciate our presence and, instead of a shy retreat, decided to defend its territory—it directly attacked the participants! Even though we didn’t spot the Ural Owl this time, the close encounter with the feisty Pygmy Owl fully made up for it. We returned home exhausted but enriched by observing a total of 27 bird species.