Barn Owl Pair Search For Perfect Nest 🦉🦉

When lonely male barn owl Ghost meets Willow, a female, it seems like the perfect match! But when their would-be home is taken by kestrels, the pair must go elsewhere to find the best spot to nest...

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LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
In January, Ghost, a young male barn owl takes up residence in the sycamore stump nest box. He’s comfortable here, but still needs a mate, so, when Willow, a young female arrives, it seems to be the perfect match.
But just as their romance begins to blossom, the pair get some unwanted attention...

FIGHT FOR THE NEST
The kestrel pair, known as Mr and Mrs Kes, are very keen to take this spot for themselves. After a couple of weeks of intimidation, Ghost concedes the nest… it’s just not worth the fight. Now, Ghost needs to find a new place… and the nearby barn owl tower may be a good option.

A NEW START
Ghost heads into the nest box to check it out and after a look around, he decides this may be just the spot… but he’s still got to convince Willow! He calls her inside and the pair continue to court.

WILLOW UNSETTLED
However, whilst Willow seems to like Ghost, she just isn’t convinced by his choice of nest site. She seems to have her heart set on the sycamore stump nest, and heads over for another look. But now, the nest is occupied!

FEATHERS FLY
Willow has stumbled upon the female kestrel, who vigorously defends her clutch of eggs and two tiny chicks! After the scuffle, Willow retreats… but she’s not giving up without a fight. 20 minutes later, she returns to the kestrel nest. But the kestrel has a young family to protect and would fight to the death if needed. Defeated, Willow heads over to the feeding post to cool off… only to be hit by a passing barn owl!

HOME IMPROVEMENTS
The barn owl tower seems to be the best spot for these owls, but Willow still isn't convinced. So, I’ve got my tools and I’m heading up to make some home improvements.

A HAPPY ENDING
Willow and Ghost seem to love the new, improved nest box and soon the pair are ready to mate. They're both a bit inexperienced, but soon get the hang of it. It’s so exciting to see this young relationship blossom, and it’s been amazing to get an insight into their courtship. Things seem to be going so well, I can’t wait to see if they lay eggs soon!

WATCH THE STORY UNFOLD
Watch Willow and Ghost on the live stream, where Willow is now brooding 4 eggs in the Sycamore Stump nest... https://youtu.be/9IvgM6pQkns

MORE TO COME
Subscribe to my channel for the next instalment of their story!

#robertefuller #barnowls #wildlife

I am a British wildlife artist based in Thixendale, North Yorkshire, UK. I build ideal habitats to encourage wildlife into my garden and use nest cams to study their behaviour. These studies inform my paintings. I share the best of my video research on this channel for free. If you would like to support my work please consider a small donation here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=A52ZHAMJZC3J4

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Видео Barn Owl Pair Search For Perfect Nest 🦉🦉 канала Robert E Fuller