Wild tawny owls Bomber & Luna turned out to be wonderful foster mother and father. After efficiently elevating the primary two chicks I positioned with them, they went on to tackle one other 4 owlets!
Tawny owl chicks
This tawny owl pair first adopted chicks after their very own clutch of eggs failed. However simply as I used to be having fun with watching these younger owlets, named Daybreak & Nightfall, exploring, I used to be handed one other three rescue owl infants.
Extra foster owlets
Then I’m handed three extra rescue chicks. Every is a unique age and had been picked up from roadside. I resolve to see if Bomber & Luna will take them on, alongside Daybreak & Nightfall. In the event that they do, this can give these owlets one of the best likelihood of surviving within the wild.
Mini, Midi and Maxi
The three rescue owlets, nicknamed Mini, Midi and Maxi for his or her various sizes, had already fledged their very own nests so I wasn’t anticipating them to remain inside my bespoke Beech Stump owl nest for lengthy.
Luna calls encouragement
And certain sufficient it isn’t lengthy earlier than Midi heads out to discover. To my delight Luna arrives and begins to name this younger rescue owlet, encouraging her to fly in the direction of her.
Bomber brings dinner
And some hours later Bomber arrives with some meals for this younger tawny owlet. I left meals out for Bomber to seek out in order that this owl dad had sufficient to feed this new household.
Further Meals
I additionally fed the remaining owlets. It’s rather a lot to count on these dad or mum tawny owls to instantly help a complete of 5 owlets.
Bomber & Luna cease feeding
However then two days move and there’s no signal of Bomber & Luna. I preserve the owlets fed however they want the care of actual owls if they’ll survive outdoors the nest. Below my cautious watch they proceed to develop, practising their pouncing abilities contained in the nest.
Calls are heeded
Then eventually their calls are rewarded and Bomber lastly feeds them and the next day Maxi lastly leaves the nest. Watch as one of many different younger owlets exhibits Maxi the place to leap. It’s so endearing watching the owlets work together with one another.
A brand new rescue
Earlier than the ultimate chick, Mini, fledges, a brand new rescue arrives from Doncaster. We name it Donny and it’s slightly bit skinny. However that’s not a nasty factor as a result of it ought to name loudly and that may encourage Bomber & Luna to reply.
Donny fledges
Donny doesn’t keep lengthy, leaving Mini on their lonesome once more. However then, after a go to from one other owlet, Mini too makes the leap to the department outdoors the nest.
Owl creche
It’s wonderful to see all six owlets collectively, preening each other, and to assume they aren’t even from the identical household.
Further assist
I preserve placing meals out for Bomber & Luna to take to the owlets. Watch them take it and carry it straight to the owlets. It isn’t lengthy earlier than the owlets start to feed themselves and discover the world for themselves. Watch what occurs when one finds a barn owl! Bomber & Luna’s story has been exceptional. I’m wondering what subsequent yr’s breeding season will deliver.