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This summer’s unusually wet and cold weather has added extra challenges for our barn owls. Hunting becomes tougher in these conditions, and we’ve seen times when Nyx has had to work especially hard to bring food back to the nest. Despite these difficulties, she's done an incredible job keeping her three growing chicks well-fed. Watching them thrive under her care, even with these obstacles, has been truly inspiring.

Thanks for asking! Our reserve’s barn owl population is a bit of a mixed bag. While one nest does receive supplementary feeding, the other five-including the one with cameras that we monitor-do not. In general, we don’t intervene, as we aim to let nature take its course. However, last year, this nest faced a catastrophic season, so we’re keeping a close watch this year. The wet, challenging weather this summer hasn’t made it easy for the owls, but so far, Nyx is doing a great job providing for the family

Great question! As a general rule, we don’t intervene, as these barn owls are wildlife and we aim to let nature take its course. However, last year was particularly tough for the owls, and we experienced a catastrophic season. Because of that, we are considering stepping in if absolutely necessary in the future. But in principle, we don’t provide supplemental meals and try to maintain a hands-off approach to support the natural balance.

Thanks so much for the feedback! We really appreciate it. We'll definitely lower the sound for upcoming videos. 😊

We have more videos in the pipeline. The barn owls just laid the first egg, this winter has been very wet and they are a bit late. We are building soon an artificial kingfisher nest and a kestrel nest. These 2 will not be ready for this season, but hopefully, next season we'll have 3 or 4 cameras with 3 or 4 different species of birds. Thanks to you for watching!

@@TarrasValleyNR That's good news. Thank you.

We use tree guards (currently mainly reused or recycled plastic guards, but we're trialling biodegradable ones too) to protect the trees we've planted so far, and in the larger planting areas might be using a combination of tree guards and deer fencing. There is lots of natural regeneration of native trees on the reserve too, and while there is some evidence of grazing on the trees, the current grazing pressure is not so high that it is a problem. We will be continuing to monitor the grazing pressure, but currently there is no action required beyond protecting the planted trees.

We are a small team but we are moving things forward. We are currently working with Scotland’s National Peatland Action Programme and the Crichton Carbon Centre to survey our peatlands to determine their condition and develop a restoration plan to begin much needed restoration and recovery on the ground. We are working along with South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project and with Hen Harrier Action to provide secure and habitats so they can can thrive and flourish without fear of harm or habitat loss. If you want more information, you can check our website www.tarrasvalleynaturereserve.org/ . Thanks for your interest!

Hi, I would say the opposite. It is just it looks that way because the video was speed up.

It is very sad. We wanted to thank you for following along with the story and for your comments in the videos. Thanks! And hopefully next year we'll have a happier story to tell.

@@TarrasValleyNR I hope so too. Fingers crossed.

They are tiny but they will grow fast. Thanks for watching!

Hello! It is the same barn but the nest is new. We changed the nest in February so we could set up the cameras. Last year we didn't have a camera inside the nest. They could be a new couple, but we don't know for sure. Maybe the shell was weak on that egg or maybe just Hoot Hoot was a bit clumsy.

@Tarras Valley Nature Reserve thank you for the confirmation, that is wonderful to know it's the same location. The parents did such a terrific job feeding & raising them. I look forward to this new season with Hoot Hoot and Bob .

😂 I would agree with that.

Usually it is around 4 eggs, but in extreme cases they can lay 10 or even 11 eggs. Last week we checked several nests and most had between 2 and 5. So, we have been very lucky chosing this nest as it is the one with more eggs. Thanks for commenting!

Hoot Hoot is a yoga master... 🤣

We have a video that will be released soon in which we show how Hoot Hoot is constantly moving the eggs. Barn Owls eggs are quite soft, so, yes, we are amazed as well how she handles them without breaking them.

Thanks for watching!

Thanks for your kind comment!

😢❤😊🎉