The barn owl is making a strong return to the Po valley amid a renesting program after its numbers in the area dropped by 50% over the last 30 years.
The programme, led by the Parco Natura Viva at Bussolengo near Verona, has seen 10 nests placed in barns, attics and oldbuildings in the open countryside there, mostly in the Brescia area.
Park rangers have said the bird's droppings have led to fresh insights into is hunting activities.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA