All alone - 12th September 2011

The five chicks and one egg are alone in the box tonight whilst the female is out hunting.
It is unusual for the hen bird to leave chicks at this tender age but the weather conditions have forced her to help the male with the hunting. Barn Owls need to hear their prey rustling in the grass and on windy nights they struggle to hunt successfully.
The female has been out for the past four nights. On a cold night the youngsters would struggle to maintain warmth but fortunately the nights have been mild and Mum is soon back to brood them. The remaining egg won't hatch now and will eventually disappear.