This is a bit of a belated post, but there has been some discussion in the ether regarding the fate of the fledgling Eagle Owl population in the Uk, see :
http://raptorpolitics.org.uk/?p=2057_ (Is an Approved Cull of UK Eagle Owls Imminent?)
Not sure of the veracity of this, but apparently there has been concern in the BTO and RSPB members fraternity to the extent that "...It was their members evidence about the threat from Eagle Owls to other raptors that prompted the GB Non-native Species Risk Analysis Panel's report..". The link goes on to say that "only a selected small number of individuals and organisations appear to have been notified by FERA that the risk assessment consultation document even existed." The evidence seems to suggest that Eagle Owls were formerly native birds, and that these colonists may be both feral and immigrant birds.
This, in my opinion, disturbing report displays an irrational reaction to what may be a natural phenomenon - if Eagle Owls are to be culled because they prey on other raptors / owls in their territories (which has been recognised for eons) what next ? Sparrowhawks, because some members of the aforementioned organisations have noted Blackbirds being disembowelled in their back gardens ? I haven't heard the Dutch complaining about Eagle Owls spreading in their country.
Apologies for the rant, but it does at times seem that even those "on our own side" have irrational fears about species with hooked bills. Long live Bubo bubo !
Phil
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