Approx four weeks ago a friend told us about a Little Owl he'd spotted in an old Willow, the tree sits in the middle of a field cut once a year for hay, In the centre of the tree is a large cavity, perfect for Owls.
We were been watched by the male Little Owl as we setup a trail camera, a week later it had recorded the little owl visiting several times, with it been mid June there was a high probability of a nesting pair with close to fledgling owlets. We setup a feeding pot with mealworms and a week later they'd found the food and started to supplement there mice, beetle and bird diet with the worms.
Due to the current situation with the virus, lack of funds and time we decided to setup our canvas hides, with props at a sufficient distance not to cause disturbance to the nest site. The birds are used to noises as its a busy working farm, and it didn't take them long to ignore the extra objects in there field, a few things owls are not keen on though are strong wind and heavy rain, they don't mind light wind a rain (some of the best behaviour photos ive had were in the rain).
The male owl is still feeding the owlets approx 4pm till 9pm (4/7/20), upto now ive seen one owlet branching and if he cannot been seen he can be heard! Ive done several visits to photograph them now, and never failed to get some photos. As with all nature feeding time is random at the hides, based on weather, cached food & success whilst hunting etc.
Also twice i have heard the branching Tawny Owlets around the farm buildings, and almost bumped into the Barn Owl hunting across the hay field one night.
Here are several photos ive had.
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