The Willow & Asher Story - 2024
Introducing Willow and Asher, our resident barn owls who have captivated our hearts and imagination once again as they embark on another year together. For the second consecutive year, these majestic birds have paired up, inviting us to follow their compelling journey through 2024 via our remote cameras both inside and outside the box. In 2023, they proved to be exemplary parents, successfully rearing three adorable owlets, so don't miss a single moment of their enchanting story as it unfolds throughout 2024.
Update: 3rd May - Exciting News !!!
In recent weeks, there's been a flurry of activity at the barn owl box. Asher has been unwavering in his dedication to Willow, diligently guarding her during the day while successfully hunting at night, returning with as many as six voles each time. Despite the constant food supply, Willow often stores them elsewhere in the box for later consumption.
Ultimately, Willow laid seven eggs. Over the course of 32 days, she meticulously incubated them, only taking brief breaks from the nest box around 7 pm each evening to stretch her wings. These excursions lasted only a few minutes before she resumed her incubation duties.
After all this effort, I'm delighted to announce that the first egg hatched last night, offering us a glimpse of the first tiny owlet—a truly remarkable sight. Over the next couple of weeks, we can expect an egg to hatch approximately every two days, leading to a bustling box filled with growing chicks—a spectacle not to be missed. With seven potential new mouths to feed, Asher is sure to be kept very busy supporting them.
Here is the clip of the first chick to hatch which I really hope you enjoy. Keep checking back here for regular updates now that things have started to happen.
We have our first chick today
Asher in his owl equivalent man cave.
Update: 8th April
More exciting news from Willow and Asher, - we now have a fourth egg which can clearly be seen in this image. She is currently laying an egg every 2 days as expected and we now need to watch carefully to see if she lays anymore. Maybe we’ll see another egg on the 10th so check back here again to read the latest updates…
Update: 6th April 2024
It has been an exceptionally busy week for Willow, our resident barn owl. On April 1st, she marked a significant milestone by laying her first egg, followed swiftly by a second on April 3rd, and a third on April 5th. We now eagerly await to see if Willow will lay more eggs in the coming days, with projections suggesting the possibility of another arrival around April 8th or 9th. Throughout this period, Asher, Willow's devoted mate, remains steadfast in his commitment, rarely leaving Willow’s side and braving even the harshest weather conditions to provide regular supplies of food.
What has been revealed by the cameras is exactly how many time Asher mates with Willow. They first paired over a month ago and he still mates with her every night even though she is currently laying. This has come as a big surprise revealed by our remote cameras. Stay tuned for further updates as we closely monitor Willow and Asher's remarkable journey.
Egg No. 1 - 1st April
Egg No 2. - 3rd April
Egg No. 3 - 5th April
