I’ve been keeping a close eye on the tawny owl nest and was rewarded last week with a sighting of this owlet snuggled in with its mum. Then I was away from home and didn’t get back for a look until nearly a week later. On this my latest visit there was no sign of mum but instead a single, larger than expected owlet looking out on this fresh green world.
Ah, so one owlet, just like last year I thought. But then it turned round and I a sibling which had been tucked in behind it!
Aha! So there are two! Although they look the seem size they won’t be twins, as owls lay their eggs a couple of days apart. I kept watching through my binoculars and some minutes later they both were facing outwards together.
I think they look big enough to be venturing out of the nest soon. They will either climb down using their sharp talons or will drop their fluffy bundle selves from a height down onto the ground. You can see the talons in this image below.
Then they will begin their “branching” phase when they explore their surroundings by hopping along the ground and climbing up into bushes and tree branches. they will not be able to fly until much later. I’ll try and watch for them when they’ve left the nest, although last year I never managed to spot the sole owlet again.
Sarah's Wildlife Watch 