This 12 months was Gylfie and Dryer’s first 12 months collectively, learn the way they met and the way Gylfie needed to train Dryer the foundations of courtship.
Barn owl pair
Gylfie is a extremely skilled feminine barn owl, having raised six broods. Her earlier associate, Finn sadly handed away in July 2022, however inside weeks she finds a brand new male
Dryer
After analyzing the ID tag on his leg, we study that Gylfie’s new associate grew up right here at Fotherdale. Rescued from a corn dryer, I cared for him alongside Gylfie’s earlier associate, Finn
Barn owl courtship
By January the pair are deep into their relationship, preening and exploring nest websites collectively. However when a pair of tawny owls interrupt the love in, it’s Gylfie who fights them off.
Function reversal
And the function reversal doesn’t finish there. When Dryer appears bored with mating, she takes over by mounting dryer.
Male barn owl not searching
So as to impress throughout courtship, male barn owls ship prey to feminine. But it surely appears Dryer hasn’t bought the memo! And right here Gylfie takes cost but once more.
Egg laying
However, not less than the mating makes an attempt appear to have gone to plan… Over the subsequent few days, Gylfie seems to be like she is getting ready to put. I see her nest scraping, develop into stressed, after which sit.
Barn owl eggs
Lastly, on the finish of Could, she stands up and divulges her first treasured egg. Watch Dryers response when he lastly realises!
Incubation
Gylfie shortly sits again down. Barn owls begin incubating eggs from the very first one laid and this one wants to remain heat for the subsequent 30 days. Subsequent time It’s been unbelievable to see Gylfie discover a new mate in Dryer and for them to welcome their first egg collectively.