This Easter holidays, there will be an Easter Baby Animal Trail at Flatford Wildlife Garden, where children will be able to follow the garden trail to discover the names of baby wildlife. Then they can head into the Visitor Centre to make a collaged 'Birds are Welcome in my Garden' poster.
Baby animals are born in spring because the temperatures are getting milder and food is more plentiful. Surprisingly, at this point in March we have already reached breeding time for some of our familiar birds and mammals. Amongst birds, Tawny Owls are amongst the earliest nesters, typically laying their clutch of eggs around this third week of March. It is thought that they nest so early because it's easier to feed their young before the grass and vegetation gets long enough for prey to hide. Tawny Owls usually pair up for life, with established pairs defending their territory together throughout the year. When it comes to nesting time in early spring, the female lays 2 or 3 eggs at intervals of around 2 days. Incubation will take around 30 days. Because the eggs were laid in intervals, they won't hatch at the same time, giving the parents maximum chance of keeping at least one owlet alive if feeding conditions are challenging.
Tawny Owl Strix aluco, youngster in wooden nest box attached to tree, April
Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)
Although Tawny Owls prefer woodland habitats, they do also breed in larger rural and suburban gardens, especially if there are sizeable trees in the garden. They usually build a nest in a cavity in the tree, but have also been known to use an old crow's nest or even a squirrel drey. Purpose built nest boxes are well-suited to Tawny Owl's nesting needs, so if you think your garden might be a suitable site, why not try installing a Tawny Owl nestbox. A lack of suitable trees for nesting is thought to be a major factor in the decline of the Tawny Owl, so installing such a box in your garden could really make a difference.
In the mammal world, Foxes are amongst the first in the year to breed. Mid March is the peak birth period for Foxes, with mating having taken place in January and den sites found and established during February. After a gestation pariod of around 52 days, the female gives birth to a litter of usually 4 or 5 cubs. Cubs are born deaf, blind and unable to regulate their own temperature for the first two weeks, so to start with their mother rarely leaves them. She is helped by other adults in the group; their visits with food are often the first sign that a den is occupied.
If your family are interested in finding out more about owlets, fox cubs and other baby animals, come along to Flatford Wildlife Garden from the 29th March-14th April, when the garden will be open every day from 10:30-4:30 for the Easter Baby Animal Trail. We can't wait to open the garden fully for the new season and look forward to showing you all the new plant and animal life that is fast emerging in the spring garden. Hopefully this spring the garden will be full of young mammals, birds, reptiles and insects for us all to enjoy!