As predicted from our camera boxes, 2024 has turned out to be an early Barn Owl nesting season.
A first pair began egg-laying on 15 March, and by end-March two-thirds of local pairs were on eggs.
Box checking during June revealed 33 nests, the highest number we have found. And apart from 3 broods, all were large enough to be ringed.
A total of 95 chicks have been ringed so far, 30% higher than our previous best year and averaging close to 3.5 chicks per brood.
Hopefully the early and productive season will lead to a number of second broods later in the year.
