absent friends

Took a first look at the mid Wales bird ringing blog, Ruffled Feathers, and amongst a number of interesting articles was one that describes an alarming decline in the number of Barn Owls in Montgomeryshire over the last two years, quite possibly due to the harsh winters. I was wondering whether Tawny Owls have been similarly affected? I often see them in the morning on my way to work, especially at this time of year, but it's been months now since my last such sighting. Bleary-eyed postman driving to work (with/without hangover) is obviously not a rigorous scientific methodology but maybe others have noticed this apparent absence also?