This video follows the story of tawny owls Bonnie & Ozzy as they raise a record clutch of four chicks.
When tawny owls Bonnie & Ozzy had four chicks it was a record for tawny owls in this area and I worried they would not be able to feed them - let alone have enough space in the nest.
When tawny owls Bonnie & Ozzy had four chicks it was a record for tawny owls in this area and I worried they would not be able to feed them - let alone have enough space in the nest.
Securing a nest
The story begins in November with male Ozzy searching for a nest. After trying out different sites, in March he choose a nest box I built for him, named Ash Tree. In March Bonnie lays four eggs. Tawny owl eggs are pure white and about the same size as a golf ball. They weigh just under 40g and the effort of laying takes its toll on Bonnie.
Incubating
Tawny owls incubate as soon as they have laid the first egg, which is just as well when unseasonable blizzards blow in. Hunting Male tawny owls do not help with brooding the eggs, but instead provide food for their partner -mainly eat small mammals like mice and voles. Ozzy is often seen hunting rats too. After almost a month of incubation, the eggs begin to hatch. The process is fascinating. It begins with a pip, then a crack, then the chicks appear, their feathers still damp. Bonnie is very protective and won't even let Ozzy near, so these glimpses of her young owl chicks are very rare. And Bonnie’s defensive attitude is understandable. Watch what happens when jackdaws try to invade the nest. These birds can actually trap a nesting owl inside the nest and are a serious danger.
Development
At one week old these tawny owlets can sit up, but their eyes are still closed. During their first week their feathers also begin to come through, looking like pins as they pierce the skin, and by two-weeks old their eyes open and they can stand up. By now the growing owlets seem to be continually clambering for more food. I become concerned that Ozzy can't keep up, so I leave a few mice to help the owl family out. First adventures Tawny owl chicks are notoriously adventurous and before these four were fully feathered, the owlets began climbing out to the nest and hopping on to the nearest branches - inevitably there were mishaps! The parents continue to feed the chicks on the nearby branches, and, I also help out. It's amazing to see these birds grow in confidence.
