Date filmed: 2022
This video follows the story of tawny owls Bonnie & Ozzy as they raise a record clutch of four chicks.
Watch tawny owls interact live on my nest cam: • Live From Ash Wood | R... ] and follow the story of Bonnie & Ozzie in this playlist: • Tawny Owls 🦉 Bonnie & ...
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ABOUT THIS FILM
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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 anest box I built for him, named Ash Tree.
Tawny owl eggs
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.  
Eggs hatch
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.
Danger
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.
Extra support
By now the growing owlets seem to be continually clamouring 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!
Owl parents
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.
ABOUT ME
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I am a British wildlife artist and filmmaker on a mission to share my love for wildlife with the world. As well as creating detailed animal film and art portraits, I promote wildlife tours around the world and do all I can to help conserve and protect wildlife here at my home in Yorkshire. I hope that by putting nature in the frame I can foster a deep love for wildlife amongst my followers.
You may like to purchase my artwork which you can find on my website: www.robertefuller.com. Many of my paintings are portraits of the wonderful characters you watch here!
You can also follow me on these platforms:
Website: www.robertefuller.com
Facebook: / robertefullerart
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CHAPTERS (VIDEOS OVER 5 MINUTES)
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00:00 Courtship
03:10 Settled In Ash Tree
05:10 Egg Laying
07:13 Incubation
09:07 Hatching
12:26 First Feed
12:55 Jackdaws Burying Family Alive
16:09 Hungry Owlets
17:35 Large Active Owlets
19:00 Bonnie's Parenting Success
19:30 Owlets A Month Old
19:59 Ringing
25:10 Eldest Makes It To Entrance
25:20 Danger To Owlets!
26:24 First Fledge
27:53 Rob Spots The Owlet
30:10 Three Owlets In Entrance
31:00 Soggy Fledgling
31:35 Buzzard Attack!
32:20 Rob Can't Find The Owlet
33:15 Happy Family
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© Robert E Fuller
Copyright Disclaimer: Please feel free to share my videos but do not download any content without permission with the intent to re-upload. If you would like to license any content, please get in touch: mail@robertefuller.com
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