'Quirky sells' says auctioneer ahead of Lincolnshire auction of stuffed owls and more

                                                                

Eastern Screech Owl and Northern Saw-Whet Owl, neither native British species, are included in  the sale

TO take birds - dead or alive - is today mostly illegal, except with a few species and only in special circumstances.

But before the 1939-4 war,  trapping songbirds and shooting larger ones, such as birds of prey,  was common and accepted as a legitimate form of recreation.

Some stuffed and mounted victims of the 'hobby' are up for auction next week to be held by John Taylors of Louth in Lincolnshire.

In total there are six separate Lots, with species including Sparrowhawk, Barn Owl, Little Owl, Long-eared Owl, Kingfisher and Blue Tit.  

What sort of a person buys the products of taxidermy?

Says James Laverack, of John Taylors: "They are bought and collected for any number of reasons - for study, for education, for display or even acquired as a decorative art form - a quirky form of decoration for the sitting room, perhaps, but then quirky sells."

Bids of up to £50, maybe more, are expected when they go under the hammer on March 10.