Finn the barn owl's story
Finn and Gylfie first hooked up together last year. An orphaned owl who was actually released here at Fotherdale, Finn lacks experience in family life. He is just two years old and this is his first breeding season. Read about the owl's clumsy courtship with his partner Gylfie. However, this male barn owl has now matured and takes his job as provider for his family very seriously.
A dedicated owl dad
It is still very obvious that Finn is a first time dad. Watch my film below to see how, when Gylfie stands up to reveal their first egg in May, Finn cannot contain his curiosity. He checks the egg with his beak, and wonders if he should brood it himself. Thankfully Gylfie steps in and pushes him aside… incubating is best left to the expert.
Over the next week Gylfie lays two more eggs. The second egg's arrival is unusual, it pops out whilst she is standing. Again Finn is fascinated and Gylfie must gently nudge him away. Over the next few days, Finn rarely leaves Gylfie's side as she broods their eggs. The process continues to amaze Finn and when Gylfie has a rare moment away from the nest, he hops down to take a closer look.
And protector of his owl family
Finn works hard bringing in food around the clock and spending his days standing guard over Gylfie and the eggs. But nearby, tawny owls are roosting and they’re highly territorial. Night after night, the pair endure a barrage of attacks. Thankfully, they keep the tawny owls at bay, and no harm comes to the eggs.
After 31 days of incubation, the first egg cracks open and a tiny, cheeping chicks emerges. Again Finn is mesmerised. Barn owl eggs hatch at the same interval as they were laid so, three days later, a second chick is revealed and a third three days after that.
Sadly one chick does not survive
Finn brings in food constantly, but competition between the chicks is fierce and one chick seems to be lagging behind. It’s a lot smaller than it’s siblings and when Gylfie tries to feed it just won’t take the food. Overnight, it’s crawls away from the warmth of its siblings and by the time Gylfie notices the lone chick it is too late.
But remaining chicks thrive
Thankfully the two remaining chicks are growing well. Finn and Gylfie now have one less mouth to feed, so these owlets now actually have a better chance of survival. Subscribe to my channel to follow this barn owl family on my livestream and to be notified of my next film on how this barn owl family develop.
