BRITAIN’S smallest owl has joined the cast of Dorset’s very own springwatch this year.

For the first time, Dorset Wildlife Trust’s live webcams feature three owl species, with little owls making their début to join the tawny owls and Bob and Brenda the now famous barn owls.

The little owls are already incubating four eggs in their nest box at a secret location in Dorset’s Tarrant Valley. The intimate details of their daily lives are now being watched on Dorset Wildlife Trust’s webcam page, which attracts owl fans from across the Europe and as far afield as North America, Australia and Japan.

Little owls, introduced to the UK in the 19th century, are now found in England, Wales and even in southern Scotland. Measuring only 22cm from head to tail, they can be seen during the day, although most hunting takes place in the early morning or at night. The Dorset pair’s eggs should hatch in the first half of May and the camera is expected to remain live until the young owlets have left, giving people the chance to enjoy a spectacular wildlife experience from the comfort of their own homes.

Nicky Hoar, communications officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to add these amazing images to our live webcams. Little owls have made themselves at home in Dorset but many people will not have seen them; now we can all enjoy these beautiful birds and learn more about the details of their lives.

“Our owl cameras have brought wildlife encounters to thousands of people and helped to interest them in nature conservation and we can’t wait to see how our new ‘stars’ get on this spring.”

Dorset Wildlife Trust’s webcams have been set up by Jason Fathers of Wildlife Windows, following many months of preparation to ensure that there is no disturbance to the breeding birds.

You can look out for little owls during the day, often perched in a tree or on a post. The tawny owls and barn owl nests are at Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Lorton Meadows nature reserve in Weymouth, where you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of them flying around as darkness falls. Best viewing is on the live webcams at dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/owl where you can also find out what has been happening with frequent updates from owl watchers and DWT staff.

Dorset Wildlife Trust is part of the Natural Weymouth and Portland Partnership; connecting people with nature