South Downs barn owls get ready to fledge!
July 24, 2018
Sadly, there are only three owlets left in the barn owl box. Over the last two weeks, the youngest two chicks have died. While it’s sad to see, it is very common for some of the chicks to not make it to fledging age – statistically only an average of 25% of all hatched barn owls do. Usually this is due to a lack of food supply, which is why good habitat that supports mice and voles is so important.
On a more positive note, the remaining three owls are all due to fledge very shortly. If you watch the webcam using the links below, you may see them vigorously flapping their wings to strengthen their muscles before they take their first flight. We have already seen one of them jumping up to the top of the box! Their hatching dates were 25 May, 27 May and 29 May. Which means their 8 or 9 weeks fledging dates begin on 20 July.
Watch our barn owl webcam. If you are having trouble getting this to play, try our legacy player instead.