As barn owls Gylfie & Finn approached their second season collectively, it was vital to decide on the very best nest.
READY TO NEST
There are many chook containers throughout my Yorkshire dwelling, however the apparent alternative for this barn owl pair was my Elm Stump field. Gylfie has raised 4 successive broods right here and she or he is aware of it properly.
QUEST FOR NEST
And so it was that the pair’s hunt for a nest started right here. By January the owl pair have been already scraping out a hole prepared for his or her eggs.
CHECKING OUT THE COMPETITION
However after spending a while getting this nest prepared for the season, Gylfie immediately determined to tour different accessible nests.
SYCAMORE STUMP
Her first cease was Sycamore Stump. Gylfie nested right here with a earlier mate, named Barney, again in 2019. However this 12 months this owl field is occupied by one other barn owl pair, Willow & Ghost.
ASH STUMP
An alternative choice for this barn owl pair is Ash Stump and actually Gylfie & Finn relocate right here for some time, scraping out extra hollows and even snoozing in it through the day. However they don’t hold an in depth sufficient watch and kestrel pair Mr & Mrs Kes transfer in.
BEECH STUMP
The barn owls transfer on to Beech Stump. They’d 5 chicks right here final Autumn, however sadly the brood perished resulting from dangerous climate and lack of meals. In case they select this field once more this season, I determine to renovate it, make it wider and extra snug inside.
NEST BOX WARS
However as quickly because it prepared tawny owls Bomber and his mate Luna transfer in and if Gylfie needs it she must battle this a lot bigger owl species to get it.
OWLS CLASH
This doesn’t defer Gyflie, and there’s a ferocious flurry of feathers and talons. The tawny owls have nested at Beech Stump for the previous two years, (they’re early nesters and had already left by the point Gylfie & Finn moved in final 12 months) and aren’t going to present it up and not using a battle.
OWLS FIGHT
The tawny owl pair mount an assault on Gylfie & Finn, who’ve retreated again to Elm Stump after the primary conflict and a viscous battle ensues..
SEASON BEGINS
By March, after two months of trying to find the right nest, the tawny owls lay in Beech, and Gylfie’s resolution is made for her. Elm Stump is the one choice left.
COURTSHIP
Now the nest is determined, it’s time to begin a household. The 2 barn owls are inseparable, and Finn not often leaves Gylfie’s facet.
GYLFIE LAYS FIRST EGG
Firstly of Might, Gylfie begins contractions. Finn appears on, involved, however then this attentive male falls asleep and misses the second the primary egg is laid.
CURIOUS MALE
Finn has been a father earlier than, however he’s nonetheless interested in all of it. As Gylfie goes on to put three extra eggs, he can’t assist however stare at every in marvel and even tries to incubate.
INCUBATION
Not like most birds of prey, barn owl eggs are incubated as quickly as they’re laid. This implies Gylfie is sort of completely reliant on her barn owl mate Finn to assist her. Fortunately he’s very attentive mate and brings common meals deliveries.
BARN OWL EGGS
Barn owls lay eggs at two-to-three-day intervals and Gylfie lays like clockwork till the clutch is full.
#barnowls #robertefuller #owls
