Barn owl chicks Ginger, Cinnamon & Clove grew up to be beautiful owls, despite having a very inattentive owl dad.

Watch Willow and Ghost interact live on my nest cam:    • Live From Fotherdale | Robert E Fuller   and follow their story in this playlist:    • Barn Owls Willow & Ghost | Wild Live...  

JOIN MY MISSION
____________________

You can support my wildlife rehabilitation and conservation work by donating here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s... or joining one of my supporter communities: https://www.robertefuller.com/support...

ABOUT THIS FILM
____________________

Willow & Ghost

This is the story of barn owls Willow and Ghost's first clutch. This pair laid four eggs in my Sycamore Stump nest box very late last summer. All four eggs hatched successfully, although sadly the fourth chick did not make it.

Ghost slacks in his duties

Although first time owl dad Ghost started off well, providing his partner with Willow regular meals whilst she incubated their eggs, once the first chick started hatching he disappeared for so long that poor Willow had to leave the eggs to find her own sustenance. These disappearing acts continued as the second and third chicks hatched until it felt like Ghost was living up to his name!

And is clueless with the chicks

As the chicks grew, thanks to the tireless support of their owl mum Willow, Ghost's attentions continued to be intermittent. Watch as one day he arrives with a meal but seems very unclear how to actually feed the chicks. Male barn owls do not feed their chicks and thankfully Willow is on hand to tear up the food so that the chicks can manage it.

Sadly the fourth chick dies

Unfortunately Ghost just doesn't bring in enough food and what little he does bring the older chicks devour so that the youngest just doesn't get enough and eventually perishes. Unlike kestrels barn owls do not share out food evenly to give all their chicks a chance and the elder siblings are normally considerably bigger than the youngest.

Remaining three flourish

However Willow's remaining owlets seem to take care of one another and even share their food. Watch as their pin feathers grow through and they flap their wings ready for their first flights.

Next time

It won't be long before these three barn owl chicks are ready to fledge. Subscribe to my channel for a notification of my next episode, when they get their ID rings and fly for the first time.

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: https://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: https://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 reupload. If you would like to license any content, please get in touch: [email protected]

#robertefuller #barnowls #owls