A week ago I could see that it wouldn’t be long before the two owlets left their cosy tree nest. The eldest of the two was stretching its wings and looking like it might attempt to leave. It’s a long way down to the ground, and it would have to drop down, owlets don’t fly until weeks after they have left the nest.
It did indeed settle back down for another few days, looking wistfully out at the woodland beyond. This was last Thursday, May 7th.
But then on the Friday only one remained. Its sibling had taken its leap of faith. It looked rather forlorn on its own.
Then on Saturday evening my husband and I ventured into the wood just before sunset. We wanted to listen out for the calls the owlets made to be fed. We weren’t disappointed. We heard a single cry coming from a small tree in the midst of ferns. Then we heard the “kweek” call of the mother, perhaps a warning call? We didn’t go near the caller but kept our distance. However, we just about stepped on this wee silent soul sitting on the ground right next to the path! It looked quite sleepy and unfazed by our footsteps walking past it! So we backed away from it too.
Then we saw the Mum fly up to a nearby tree and keep watch from high up. Two buzzards were mewing and circling and we feared they might find the conspicuous owlet. But it was safe and the buzzards flew away.
The next day I returned in daylight and scanned every tree and bush hoping to see an owlet. Although they can’t fly yet they can climb up lower trunks and branches to perch off the ground. This is known as their “branching” stage. I did however see one of the parents, keeping a close eye on me.
Sarah's Wildlife Watch 