Link to 2021 thread
Live stream: https://www.essexwt.org.uk/wildlife/webcams/barn-owl
As with the 2020 season, barn owls did not use the box for breeding in 2021, will this year be different?
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In answer to that question, yes!
9 eggs laid: Incubation period is 30-31 days
Hatches:
1st chick - 21.5.21 2nd chick - 23.5.22 3rd chick - 24.5.22 4th chick - 26.5.22 5th chick - 29.5.22 6th chick - 2.6.22 7th chick - ??? 8th chick - 5.6.22
First food drop I've managed to capture in a while (I keep missing them!) Dangled through the pop hole and grabbed by the one at the front
Another one, grabbed by the youngest! It took it before one of the biggies was able to. Adult's beak can be seen top left
Waiting patiently, youngest at the front
It grabbed the next delivery too! The one at the back right in my pic above, was about to grab hold of the prey but little one was first to it!
This posted on chat a short time ago:
Audrey • a minute agoSunday 21.38 Lots of food drops, I've seen 5 or 6 in the last hour, Two smallest have had two each. After their first downed quickly and back in the queue for more. Each needs at least 2 voles to satisfy them now.
And another! Many drops this evening already!
I think we can safely say that the chicks are being well provided for
Sitting down with prey in its talons
Prey left on the flooring. The one at the front can't know that it's there as it had been calling
Someone's playing hide and seek! lol
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Arrrgh! The 'click to play' screen came on just as a parent dropped off prey at the exit hole!
Anyway, the one at the front in the pic from my last post, took it! The one that was in hiding came into view
WendyBartter said:So pleased you saw so many prey drops Sandra, they have been looking quite contented & growing well!
I was really pleased too, Wendy! They're all looking great!.
Let's hope there are some cached prey in the morning
Morning Sandra and Wendy.
Your wish granted Sandra,, as certainly prey lying around
and the one at back decides to see what is so interesting .