Approaching their second season collectively, barn owls Gylfie & Finn seek for one of the best nest.
Able to nest
There are many hen containers round my Yorkshire residence, however the apparent selection for this barn owl pair is Elm Stump field. Gylfie has raised 4 successive broods right here and is aware of it nicely. So by January they have been scraping out a hole prepared for his or her eggs.
Trying out the competitors
After spending a while getting this nest prepared for the season, Gylfie immediately determined to tour different out there nests.
Sycamore stump
Her first cease was Sycamore Stump. Gylfie nested right here with a earlier mate, Barney, again in 2019. However this 12 months this owl field is occupied by one other barn owl pair, Willow & Ghost.
Ash stump
Another choice is Ash Stump and Gylfie & Finn relocate right here for some time, scraping out extra hollows and even snoozing in it throughout the day. However they don’t hold an in depth sufficient watch, so kestrel pair Mr & Mrs Kes transfer in.
Beech stump
The barn owls transfer on to Beech Stump. That they had 5 chicks right here final Autumn which sadly perished on account of unhealthy climate and lack of meals. In case they select this field this season, I resolve to renovate it, making it wider and extra snug.
Nest field wars
However as quickly because it’s prepared tawny owls Bomber and his mate Luna transfer in. If Gylfie desires it she must combat the a lot bigger species for it.
Owls conflict
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 should not going to provide it up with out a combat.
Owls combat
The tawny owl pair assault Gylfie & Finn, who retreat again to Elm Stump.
Season begins
After two months of looking for the right nest, with the tawny owls nonetheless in Beech, Gylfie’s choice is made for her. Elm Stump is the one choice left.
Courtship
Now the nest is set, it’s time to start out a household. The 2 barn owls are inseparable, and Finn hardly ever leaves Gylfie’s aspect.
Gylfie lays first egg
Firstly of Might, Gylfie begins contractions. Finn seems to be on, involved, however then falls asleep and misses the second the primary egg is laid.
Curious male
Finn has been a father earlier than, however he’s nonetheless inquisitive about all of it. As Gylfie goes on to put three extra eggs, he can’t stares at every in surprise and even tries to incubate.
Incubation
In contrast to most birds of prey, barn owl eggs are incubated as quickly as they’re laid. This implies Gylfie is nearly totally reliant on her barn owl mate Finn to assist her. Fortunately he’s very attentive and brings common meals deliveries.
Barn owl eggs
Barn owls lay eggs with 2-3 day intervals and Gylfie lays like clockwork till the clutch is full.