As barn owls Gylfie & Finn approached their second season collectively, it was necessary to decide on the perfect nest.
READY TO NEST
There are many fowl packing containers throughout my Yorkshire residence, however the apparent alternative for this barn owl pair was my Elm Stump field. Gylfie has raised 4 successive broods right here and he or she 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 had 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 out of the blue determined to tour different obtainable 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
Another choice for this barn owl pair is Ash Stump and in reality Gylfie & Finn relocate right here for some time, scraping out extra hollows and even snoozing in it in the course of 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 attributable to 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 comfy 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 combat 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 with no combat.
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 looking for the right nest, the tawny owls lay in Beech, and Gylfie’s determination is made for her. Elm Stump is the one possibility 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
At the beginning of Could, 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 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 sort of completely reliant on her barn owl mate Finn to help 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.
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