Barn owl chick - Tyto alba

Paul M Loader
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Barn owl chick - Tyto alba
Barn owl chick - Tyto alba

As some of you who look at my pictures will be aware, I mentioned I was having a good year thus far with owls. That's an understatement really.
In early spring I stumbled upon a tawny owl nest where the 2 owlets were around 20-25 days old. I watched them every day for weeks.....until I had a call about these little beauties.

I've thought long and hard about whether or not I should publish this next series of photos but as I have done nothing wrong I dont see why I shouldnt post them for everyone to enjoy.

Firstly, I am only only too well aware of the barn owl's status as a Schedule 1 bird which affords them special protection rights, and rightly so.
But upon looking at the law it states you need a licence if you intend to disturb them.
What if you cause no disturbance at all?
Well thats what I did over a period of weeks, that I had the pleasure of watching them; I caused no disturbance at all.
I consulted a member of staff from the Barn Owl Trust and explained where they were and where I was in relation to them etc etc. I sent them copies of the photos I was taking and the video I gathered from my trail camera.
They were more than happy to provide a character witness statement stating that my photos clearly showed no disturbance and that the barn owls continued expressing normal daily behaviours. The statement would have been invaluable had I wished to go down the licence route, but I decided I didnt as I knew my being there was in no way disturbing them and had no wish to do so.
How do I know this?
Because although they were on private land there is a public footpath behind them. When I took my pictures concealed from a building opposite they were always happy to sit in the open. As soon as anyone walked, drove, rode, jogged, or cycled past they would rush back inside the nest. as soon as the danger had passed they would come back out again and had no idea that I was nearby, watching them.
If my being there had caused any disturbance to them whatsoever I quite simply would have left, as their well-being and survival means far more to me than any picture.

I can now tell you that the pair I watched had 3 young and all 3 have now successfully fledged.

It has been one of the most wonderful, joyful experiences of my life and I hope you enjoy the pictures I will share with you all.

As always thanks to everyone who looks, likes and comments on my photos!

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Taken on: August 6, 2015
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