On the invitation of Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed, John Carrig of The Barn Owl Project recently made presentations to the Donabate Sea Scouts and to the Men’s Shed about these fascinating birds of prey. John explained that the barn owl is red-listed in the Bird of Conservation Concern in Ireland, as it is estimated that there are now only 650 breeding pairs in the country. The main reasons for their decline are poison, roadkill and loss of habitat due to development. The Barn Owl Project is working to conserve the remaining birds by giving talks to school and community groups, like ours, and by working with farmers and landowners on how to promote barn owls in their areas.The Men’s Shed is hoping to work with The Barn Owl Project by making owl boxes and, with John’s advice and landowners’ permission, finding suitable locations for them.As interesting as John’s talk was, the real star of the moment was the 22-week-old barn owl that John had brought along with him.