Tawny Owls, those majestic creatures of the night, have a rather interesting nesting pattern. While the typical timing for them to lay their first egg is around the third week of March, it is not uncommon to come across odd pairs that nest much earlier than that. In fact, every year there are reports of Tawny Owl chicks being hatched as early as March.
The whole process starts with the female Tawny Owl selecting a suitable nest site. This can be in a variety of locations, such as tree cavities, old buildings, or even in the ground. Once she has settled on a spot, she will start laying her eggs. The average brood size for Tawny Owls is two chicks, although there have been cases of larger or smaller broods.
After the eggs are laid, the female will diligently incubate them for about 30 days. During this time, she rarely leaves the nest and relies on the male to bring her food. It’s quite fascinating to witness this dedication and teamwork between the owl pair.
Around the end of May, the chicks will start to hatch. It is a magical sight to see these fluffy little creatures emerge from their shells. At first, they are completely dependent on their parents for warmth, protection, and sustenance. The male and female take turns hunting and bringing food back to the nest to feed their hungry offspring.
As the chicks grow, their downy feathers will be replaced by juvenile plumage. They will also start to exercise their wings, flapping them vigorously in preparation for the day they will take their first flight. This period is known as fledging, and it usually occurs around the end of May.
Once the young Tawny Owls have fledged, they will continue to be cared for by their parents for a while longer. They will gradually learn to hunt and become more independent, eventually leaving the nest and venturing out into the world on their own.
The timing of Tawny Owl nesting is generally in the spring, with the first eggs being laid around the third week of March. However, odd pairs may nest earlier, and it is not uncommon to find Tawny Owl chicks in March. The whole process, from egg-laying to fledging, takes approximately two months. It is a remarkable journey to observe, highlighting the dedication and resilience of these beautiful birds.