Film | Barn Owls Search for Somewhere to Nest



Barn owls Gylfie and Dryer seem to be getting things ready for the coming breeding season. Watch as they begin their search for the perfect place to nest.

Gylfie & Dryer

This barn owl pair got together during the summer after Gylfie’s former partner, Finn, tragically drowned. The story was particularly heartening because Dryer was a barn owl I rescued as a chick and was raised alongside Finn. 

Searching for a nest

Now their relationship seems to have stepped up a gear and they appear to be looking for a place to nest. My cameras spotted them spending time together in my Sycamore nest box and also investigating Beech.

Contested sites

Beech Stump is a favourite of the tawny owls also living in my garden at Thixendale, North Yorkshire, and it isnt’ long before Luna, the resident female tawny owl, lets the barn owls know she’ll have to fight for that box!

Brutal Fights

Luna is also territorial when Dyer investigates Ash Stump and a brutal bird fight ensues. Thankfully neither bird is hurt, but the encounter sends Dryer and Gylfie back to Sycamore. But they are not safe from contenders here either and before long the kestrel pair make it known that they also have a stake in this site.

The search goes on

Gylfie and Dryer head off to Ash Stump again, but the search is on for a safer place to call home. 

#barnowls #robertefuller #owls