Four of nine eggs laid in a bird box in Devon have hatched so far.
A National Trust ranger said it was a "really high number of eggs" for a barn owl Four owlets have hatched after hundreds of wildlife enthusiasts watched a barn owl incubate her eggs and her mate bring in food via a live stream.
The National Trust set up a camera last month after nine eggs were laid in a bird box at Arlington Court near Barnstaple, Devon. Ranger Ellie Wyatt, who monitors wildlife populations, said it was a "really high number of eggs for a barn owl to have laid" and she expected the remaining eggs would hatch every two to three days.
The charity said it was live-streaming the owls as part of its Window to the Wild project, offering a "rare opportunity" to watch a barn owl as it prepares to raise its young.
"If barn owl numbers are doing well, to me that's a sign that nature is doing quite well. " David Howes, area ranger for North Devon, said there had been a "huge increase in small mammals" at the site after land management changes, which includes part of conservation work to increase numbers of the birds of prey on the estate.
The species are rarely seen up close in the wild The charity said changes in land management included reducing grazing pressure and allowing grasslands, hedgerows and scrub to recover to create "ideal conditions for voles and other prey species".
"What we're seeing at Arlington is a real sign that nature can recover when you give it space," Howes said. The trust said the birds of prey were known for their silent flight and distinctive heart-shaped faces and were rarely seen up close in the wild, usually hunting at dusk or under the cover of darkness.
It said two barn owl pairs were recorded at Arlington in 2021 and three pairs had been recorded using buildings across the estate since 2022. Listen to the latest news for Devon "To now have multiple pairs breeding successfully and raising more chicks each year is brilliant," Howes added.
"The live camera is a great way for people to see that story unfold and feel connected to the wildlife we're working hard to support. "
Please follow us on Google to support us United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Book of condolence opens for helicopter crew killed in DevonThe book at St James's Chapel in Okehampton follows a special mass at All Saints Church in the town.
Read more »
Devon cannot risk 'falling behind' in AI revolutionThe boss of Devon Chamber of Commerce says businesses need to act now.
Read more »
Urban explorers urged to stop by Devon and Cornwall PolicePolice say people entering abandoned buildings put themselves at risk and divert valuable resources.
Read more »
Devon council leader says water bosses should be 'locked up'County council leader Julian Brazil says executives could face jail time over sewage discharges.
Read more »