A late brood of Barn Owls was ringed this afternoon which matched the record of 2013 as the latest brood that I have ringed; unlike last year though when the birds were a very late first brood these birds were the second brood of the year at the site near to Audlem. A spread of ages among the birds indicates that initially the brood size must have been larger and one, or more, of the siblings has not made it through to fledging. The remaining survivors should have no such difficulties although they will be making their way in the world and seeking independence as 2014 draws to a close which represents the most difficult time of the year for birds to successfully complete their post-fledging dispersal.
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