Barn Owl (TX2)
This is the second nesting attempt for this pair.
Species: Barn Owl (
Tyto alba)
Location: Italy, TX
Status:
Although the computer was not fixed in time to
see the second nest attempt for these Barn Owls, the cam host reports that there are five healthy and
active chicks in the box, almost ready to fledge.
See images from first nesting attempt.
Cam Highlights:
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July 12 - We are so glad to
see this camera back up and running! All six eggs are accounted
for in this image, and we'll be watching closely to see when they hatch!
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June 28 - During the course of this 24-hour period, the female was seen consuming three rodent carcasses!
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June 27 - Here we see that
the female continues to have a healthy appetite. Barn Owls have
been shown to prefer prey items between 10-40 grams.
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June 25 - In this picture the male Barn Owl intiates copulation with the female. |
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June 24 - This female is provided ample
food while she incubates the six eggs, though she made several trips
away from the nest box today.
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June 22 - The female spent most of the day on the six eggs, leaving them for no longer than a few minutes at any time.
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June 21 - Our camera
captured eight mating events in a 24 hour period. With almost every each copulation,
the male brought in a food item. Needless to say, the female
was eating all through the night!
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June 20 - And then there were five! Will she lay another large clutch this late in the season? We shall have to wait and see...
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June 19 - The male is
responsible for the constant feeding of the female during incubation.
Confirmed by this pair's ability to raise young, they make a great team!
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June 18 - Finally, our cam host was able to
right the camera. Hopefully, the parents will pay little attention to the
equipment, unlike their precocious young from the first nest attempt. |
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June 16 - Little by little, the camera continues it's clockwise rotation, but we can see three eggs beneath the female.
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June 14 - This is the first glimpse we have of the second egg.
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June 13 - We are trying to remedy the situation
of the upside down Barn Owl cam! However, egg laying is a very critical time
and we need to minimize disturbing the female as much as possible.
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June 12 - Just after
midnight, the female, presumably the same one from the last nest
attempt lays the first egg of a second clutch!
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June 11 - During
copulation, the male spreads his wings for balance. Copulation can last
10-20 seconds, with actual contact being made every 2-3 seconds.
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June 10 - This cam was
down for two days, and it looks as though it is continuing to give the
cam hosts grief! This has certainly been an active nest during the last
few weeks.
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June 7 - The position of this owl is indicative of a female after a copulation event.
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June 5 - We are surprised to see what appears to be a
mating event between a male and female! |
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