Barn Owl Cam from Norfolk
Update on Norfolk Barn Owls: Nesting Season Disrupted
The Barn Owl nesting season at the Norfolk Barn Owl box, part of our Adopt a Box scheme, has unfortunately faced a setback. Despite the successful occupation by Barn Owls over the past six years, the five eggs laid in August have either failed to hatch or the chicks have died.
Previously, the box has been a home for Barn Owls, with the female often displaying her fierceness by warding off Jackdaws that dare to enter and on a previous occasion killing one of them. However, earlier this year, the Jackdaws managed to take control of the box by subtly introducing sticks, forcing the Barn Owls to temporarily vacate.
During this time, the Jackdaws laid two of their own eggs, successfully raising a young fledglings. Luckily, as the Jackdaws departed, the female Barn Owl returned to reclaim her territory, followed by the male. Their reunion brought hope, and soon five eggs were laid in August.
Unfortunately, the joy was short-lived, as the Jackdaws made a comeback when the first egg hatched. In response, the male Barn Owl left the box, leaving the female to defend her eggs alone. Tragically, the female did not receive sufficient food, leading to the demise of the unhatched eggs and causing great sadness among our team.
Furthermore, there was a sudden drop in temperature overnight, posing an additional challenge for the struggling nest. However, with the absence of the Jackdaws and improved conditions, both male and female Barn Owls have returned to the box.
While we mourn the loss of this year's clutch, we take solace in the fact that the camera will remain live for a few more days. We invite you to join us, bearing witness to the daily lives of these magnificent birds, and marvel at their resilience amidst the challenges they face.
Please stay tuned for further updates on our Norfolk Barn Owls as we continue monitoring their progress.
We remain committed to the welfare and conservation of these beautiful creatures. Your support through our Adopt a Box scheme allows us to monitor and protect their habitat. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for Norfolk Barn Owls and the critical role they play in our ecosystem.
To learn more about our Adopt a Box program and how you can contribute, visit our website and join us in safeguarding these majestic birds.