Barn Owls Can't Wait to Start a Family - Even in Winter 🦉 | Willow & Ghost | Robert E Fuller

Barn owls Willow & Ghost nested so early this year, there was still snow on the ground when they laid their eggs.
Watch Willow and Ghost interact live on my nest cam: • Live From Fotherdale |... and follow their story in this playlist: • Barn Owls 🦉Willow & Gh...
JOIN MY MISSION
____________________
You can support my wildlife rehabilitation and conservation work by donating here: www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s... or joining one of my supporter communities: www.robertefuller.com/support...
ABOUT THIS FILM
____________________
Quick start to the season
And it was a quick turnaround from one breeding season to the next. No sooner had this barn owl pair’s first chicks fledged the nest, then were beginning the breeding process again.
First they must chase away their first chicks
But before they could start a new family, barn owl’s Willow & Ghost had to chase their first chicks, Ginger, Cinnamon & Close away from the territory. This is quite normal behaviour for barn owls.
Then it's time to secure their nest
Before long Willow is seen scraping a new nest inside Sycamore Stump. This nest is a particular favourite of Willow’s and she was very raising her chicks last season because she waited for this nest to become available. Perhaps she is nesting early this year to make sure she doesn’t miss out on this nest again.
This means being prepared to fight
But she still has to fight for this spot. Watch what happens when another barn owl and a kestrel pair comes too close to the nest.
And laying sharpish
Willow wastes no time in securing the nest - and lays her first egg in January! Barn owls normally lay in spring so this is extremely unusual.
Male Finn keeps up supplies
Incubating this early has its hardships. For instance there is usually less food available. But the male Ghost works hard and as the eggs are laid, one every two to three days, he keeps up a constant supply of food for the busy mum-to-be.
Next time
Subscribe to my channel to get a notification of the next episode - when the chicks hatch during fierce winter storms.
ABOUT ME
_____________
I am a British wildlife artist and filmmaker on a mission to share my love for wildlife with the world. As well as creating detailed animal film and art portraits, I promote wildlife tours around the world and do all I can to help conserve and protect wildlife here at my home in Yorkshire. I hope that by putting nature in the frame I can foster a deep love for wildlife amongst my followers.
You may like to purchase my artwork which you can find on my website: www.robertefuller.com. Many of my paintings are portraits of the wonderful characters you watch here!
You can also follow me on these platforms:
Website: www.robertefuller.com
Facebook: / robertefullerart
Twitter: / robertefuller
Instagram: / robertefuller
___________________
© Robert E Fuller
Copyright Disclaimer: Please feel free to share my videos but do not download any content without permission with the intent to re-upload. If you would like to license any content, please get in touch: mail@robertefuller.com
#robertefuller #barnowls