This video follows the story of tawny owls Bonnie & Ozzy as they elevate a report clutch of 4 chicks.
When tawny owls Bonnie & Ozzy had 4 chicks it was a report for tawny owls on this space and I fearful they’d not be capable of feed them – not to mention have sufficient area within the nest.
Securing a nest
The story begins in November with male Ozzy looking for a nest. After attempting out completely different websites, in March he select anest field I constructed for him, named Ash Tree.
Tawny owl eggs
In March Bonnie lays 4 eggs. Tawny owl eggs are pure white and about the identical dimension as a golf ball. They weigh slightly below 40g and the hassle of laying takes its toll on Bonnie.
Incubating
Tawny owls incubate as quickly as they’ve laid the primary egg, which is simply as effectively when unseasonable blizzards blow in. Searching Male tawny owls don’t assist with brooding the eggs, however as an alternative present meals for his or her companion -mainly eat small mammals like mice and voles. Ozzy is usually seen searching rats too.
Eggs hatch
After nearly a month of incubation, the eggs start to hatch. The method is fascinating. It begins with a pip, then a crack, then the chicks seem, their feathers nonetheless damp. Bonnie may be very protecting and received’t even let Ozzy close to, so these glimpses of her younger owl chicks are very uncommon.
Hazard
And Bonnie’s defensive angle is comprehensible. Watch what occurs when jackdaws attempt to invade the nest. These birds can really entice a nesting owl contained in the nest and are a critical hazard.
Growth
At one week previous these tawny owlets can sit up, however their eyes are nonetheless closed. Throughout their first week their feathers additionally start to return by, trying like pins as they pierce the pores and skin, and by two-weeks previous their eyes open and so they can arise.
Further help
By now the rising owlets appear to be frequently clamouring for extra meals. I turn out to be involved that Ozzy can’t sustain, so I depart just a few mice to assist the owl household out. First adventures Tawny owl chicks are notoriously adventurous and earlier than these 4 had been totally feathered, the owlets started climbing out to the nest and hopping on to the closest branches – inevitably there have been mishaps!
Owl mother and father
The mother and father proceed to feed the chicks on the close by branches, and, I additionally assist out. It’s superb to see these birds develop in confidence.