So the big news is that our tawny owl is sitting on at least one egg. This was the view we got on Thursday 19 March.
She will have started incubating straight away and may end up laying three eggs. This means that the eggs will not all hatch at the same time and is a strategy common in owls and other raptors. The first chicks (or owlets) to hatch have a head start on their siblings and inevitably are able to beg more dominantly for food. This is called asynchronous hatching and is an adaptation to ensure the survival of the fittest if there is a shortage of food.
Our tawny owl will not leave the nest while incubating, except maybe to stretch her wings, but will rely of her mate to supply her with meals.