Driving along the A27 between Falmer and Lewes, on my way home after a late-night rescue, I was delighted to see the low, elegant and ghostly flight of a barn owl.

A couple of days later, driving between Hampden Park and Eastbourne, I was privileged to watch a little owl swoop across the road.

Then, while driving to Steyning on the A283 a couple of days ago, I found what I had been dreading - a barn own, hit and killed by a motor vehicle.

Road verges are ideal habitats for voles and mice. They are therefore regular hunting grounds for owls and other birds of prey.

During long periods of wet or snowy weather, owls can be found hunting more often at dawn and dusk, sometimes even during the late afternoon and early evening.

Their hunting time coincides with the rush-hour traffic at this time of year. I urge all rush-hour motorists to keep an eye open for owls, especially on dual carriageways and roads with wide grass verges.

East Sussex wildlife casualties can be reported to us on 07815 078234, 24 hours a day.

Anyone wishing to make a donation towards our work can send cheques payable to East Sussex WRAS to the Treasurer, 49 Station Road, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 2BN.

-Trevor Weeks, County Rescue Co-ordinator, East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service, South Road, Hailsham