- Although Stołowe Mountains take up a rather small area there are several unusual bird species. Which of them are particularly noteworthy?

 

- Within the area of the park the presence of over 160 bird species was confirmed. On the national scale it is not a significant value but unusual for the region is the record density of several species and surprising nesting places of some of them. Tall, vertical rock walls are a shelter to ravens, kestrels and eagle-owls. That is the only place they lay eggs and raise offspring. They all inhabit the area at a density unseen anywhere else in the country.

 

- What about forest birds?

 

- Large area covered by spruce forests means that boreal species appear here, such as Eurasian siskin and red crossbill. The forests also contain our two smallest owls – pygmy owl and boreal owl – which appear in unusual numbers. Deciduous and mixed forests also feature characteristic species, among others, Eurasian woodcocks, black storks, tawny owls and grey-headed woodpecker.

 

- Each of the mentioned habitats had owls in them...

 

- Yes, they inhabit a number of places and have varied requirements. Pygmy owl, as opposed to boreal owl, is active by day, however, both of them prefer to use tree hollows, therefore the forest they inhabit should have plenty of them. Our largest owl, tawny owl, is associated with rock ledges and the Park contains record numbers of the bird the whole country. Owls are not species typical to meadows, though.

 

- What birds can be heard in the meadows?

 

- Distinct voices heard in them belong to corn crakes and common quails. The local communities of these lowland birds are at the highest altitude in Silesia. Meadows are also a home to a number of smaller birds, such as whinchat or red-backed shrike. It is worth noting that forest and non-forest habitats overlap, creating ecotone zones and a mosaic of habitats, which is particularly beneficial to the more demanding species. This benefits kestrels, for instance, which nest on rocks but search for food in treeless places.