In April I reported that we had rescued a breeding Barn Owl that was buried under Jackdaw nesting material and debris; see here . When I had found her she was seriously underweight and it was impossible to say for how long she had been trapped inside the box. Yesterday I returned to the farm to see what had happened to her, although realistically I knew what was likely to be discovered.
The female had been forced to abandon the tiny chick and her clutch of eggs in order to feed herself in order to regain body weight and optimal condition that may enable her to try and breed later in the year. Although this does seem harsh, it makes perfect biological sense in that she is already part of the breeding population and her survival is key. Although the brood has sadly failed it is still pleasing that she was rescued and lives to fight another day.
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