Now the kestrels have fledged you can now watch our three barn owl chicks live via http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/a/arne/webcam.aspx.
They aren't very active during the day but watch during the evening as the parents bring them voles and mice that they catch on the heath and farmland close to their nest.
Feel free to use the forum to post any observations or questions and we will do are best to answer them!
Barn owl chicks take atleast 55 days to fledge which is a big difference to the kestrel chicks which fledged after 35 days. The oldest chick is about 50 days old and the youngest is about 40 days old so there is still abit of time before they all fledge. Female barn owls don't delay incubation of their eggs unlike the kestrels so there is always a big difference in chick size with the oldest being the most dominant and likely to eat its smaller siblings. It sounds gruesome but it is a survival mechanism and will see the older chicks through periods when food is scarce and often ensures that atleast one chick will always fledge. In the case of this nest they all look healthy and there has been plenty of food so fingers crossed for the smallest one.
Enjoy watching and listen out for the extremely scary noises they make!
Only me! Miss seeing and hearing them live, glad I have their photo and hissing with me - no webcam from library but not around anyway at the moment by the sound of it - so they were still about yesterday then - Mum & Dad must be worn out. Grateful for the updates thanks. No time to check on photos, will have lots to catch up on when get back on Sunday.
No webcam all afternoon so not sure if they are still there or not!!!!
Oh dear. I've emailed the RSPB lads.
Still not working this morning.
Thanks Dom - now back on - and ..... two back in the box!!!!!!!
One in the box this morning!
Another photographic morsel for you hungry chicks! :-)
Hot and sunny again this afternoon so wasn't expecting to see one (half) out of the box.
It must have timed its emergence just right because I didn't see it on my approach to the barn when I peered through the slats.
Whole lot of hissing going on. Two "voices" I think.
fantastic photo Dom - you are so lucky being able to visit and so nice of you to share them with us. Can hear the hissing again now - when are they going to leave?
Just got in. THANKS for the capture Dom, looks almost too big for that opening - and one still in the box fast asleep looking beautiful. Had a great week but nice to be back. Must count up the days later, case to unpack! No Barn Owl pin badge at Darts Farm either.