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 | Robert E Fuller   and follow their story in this playlist:    • Barn Owls Willow & Ghost | Wild Live...  

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ABOUT THIS FILM
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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 mumtobe.

Next time

Subscribe to my channel to get a notification of the next episode – when the chicks hatch during fierce winter storms.

ABOUT ME
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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!

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© Robert E Fuller

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