Is the Record Holder an Ageing Rock Star?

Last August I reported that this particular male was the oldest bird that I had ever recovered (he was ringed as a chick in July 2004) and today he extended his own longevity record when I found him at roost with a much younger, but nevertheless experienced, fourth year female. Proving that he still remains at the top of his game was the fact that she was incubating a clutch of five eggs. I think that he was smiling and winking at me!

Male displaying the classic pure white underparts.

His much younger lady.

First Breeding Barn Owl of the Year

Tonight we found our first breeding Barn Owl of the year. After last year's dismal breeding statistics, it was really encouraging to find this bird so early in the season incubating a large clutch of seven eggs.

Nesting Tawny Owl

A beautiful spring afternoon revealed our first nesting Tawny Owl of the year. Confirming the sedentary nature of Tawny Owls, this female, who was incubating two eggs, was in the same nest box as last year when she managed to raise a brood of three chicks. We will revisit in several week's time to check upon how things progress.