Public Called To Pick Up Pellets

Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT) is calling for members of the public to collect owl pellets in a bid to understand more about populations of harvest mice in the county, through participating in its Surrey Harvest Mice Project, which is part-funded by People’s Trust for Endangered Species.

Very little is known about harvest mice populations in Surrey. Nests have been found on a number of SWT reserves in the valley of the River Wey and on some wet heathland sites. The 3 year project aims to update current knowledge of harvest mice in the county and provide feedback to SWT site managers to help them manage the species.

Like many birds, owls eat their food whole as they do not have teeth to chew with. Instead they tear their prey apart with their sharp beaks and swallow the pieces whole. As they are unable to digest the inedible parts of the animals they eat, such as bones and fur, these are regurgitated in the form of pellets. Whilst extremely hard to trap, the harvest mouse is a common food source for owls and other birds of prey and it is through analyzing those pellets containing harvest mouse remains that SWT can gather information such as species population numbers and locations.

Pellets vary in size and consistency. Barn owl pellets can be quite large at 3-7 cm and are highly compacted, smooth and rounded with a black varnish like gloss when fresh. Tawny owl pellets tend to be small and narrow at 2-5 cm, sandier, bonier and less solid. Detailed descriptions of different species’ pellets and how to handle them can be found at www.rspb.org.uk/youth/makeanddo/do/pellet/.
 
Pellets are most likely to be found in old farm buildings or around old mature trees. Search on the floor or ledges beneath available perches, especially where you can see droppings. However, be careful not to disturb nesting or roosting birds. They are protected by law and there are special penalties for disturbing a barn owl close to its nest.

Pellets can sometimes be confused with droppings, which are unpleasant to handle, so take care and if in doubt, leave well alone! True pellets should contain bone fragments, which will mostly be broken down. It is also a good idea to wear disposable gloves when handling pellets.

Always wash your hands thoroughly after you have handled a pellet. If you find a pellet which is wet, leave it to dry in a sunny spot. Keep your collection in a sealed container with tissue paper to absorb moisture if you bring them indoors and don’t forget to record the date and location of your finds!

 If you’d like to take part in the Surrey Harvest Mouse Project please post your pellets in a sealed container to: The Surrey Harvest Mice Project, Surrey Wildlife Trust, School Lane, Pirbright, Surrey GU24 0JN.