Drawing near their 2d season in combination, barn owls Gylfie & Finn seek for the most productive nest.
In a position to nest
There are many fowl bins round my Yorkshire house, however the most obvious selection for this barn owl pair is Elm Stump field. Gylfie has raised 4 successive broods right here and is aware of it smartly. So by means of January they had been scraping out a hole in a position for his or her eggs.
Testing the contest
After spending a while getting this nest in a position for the season, Gylfie determined to excursion different to be had nests.
Sycamore stump
Her first forestall used to be Sycamore Stump. Gylfie nested right here with a prior mate, Barney, again in 2019. However this yr this owl field is occupied by means of any 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 or even napping in it all through the day. However they don’t stay an in depth sufficient watch, so kestrel pair Mr & Mrs Kes transfer in.
Beech stump
The barn owls transfer directly to Beech Stump. That they had 5 chicks right here final Autumn which unfortunately perished because of unhealthy climate and loss of meals. In case they make a choice this field this season, I come to a decision to renovate it, making it wider and extra relaxed.
Nest field wars
However as quickly because it’s in a position tawny owls Bomber and his mate Luna transfer in. If Gylfie desires it she must struggle the a lot better 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 yr) and don’t seem to be going to present it up with no struggle.
Owls struggle
The tawny owl pair assault Gylfie & Finn, who retreat again to Elm Stump.
Season starts
After two months of attempting to find the very best nest, with the tawny owls nonetheless in Beech, Gylfie’s resolution is made for her. Elm Stump is the best choice left.
Courtship
Now the nest is determined, it’s time to begin a circle of relatives. The 2 barn owls are inseparable, and Finn hardly ever leaves Gylfie’s facet.
Gylfie lays first egg
At the beginning of Would possibly, Gylfie starts contractions. Finn seems on, involved, however then falls asleep and misses the instant the primary egg is laid.
Curious male
Finn has been a father sooner than, however he’s nonetheless excited by all of it. As Gylfie is going on to put 3 extra eggs, he can’t stares at every in marvel or even tries to incubate.
Incubation
In contrast to maximum birds of prey, barn owl eggs are incubated once they’re laid. This implies Gylfie is sort of totally reliant on her barn owl mate Finn to enhance her. Fortunately he’s very attentive and brings common meals deliveries.
Barn owl eggs
Barn owls lay eggs with 2-3 day durations and Gylfie lays like clockwork till the grasp is whole.