TAWNY OWL

THE tawny owl is our best-known owl, with its mottled brown feathering, endearing expression and classic hooting call.

Tawny owls nest in a variety of places, favouring tree cavities, and although they tend to lay their eggs in mid-March, these owls may begin in February if the conditions are favourable. According to the Woodland Trust this also means that the ground vegetation has not grown too long by the time the chicks have hatched, making it easier to catch rodent prey.

Fluffy young owlets clamber out of the nest before they can fly, but will remain on neighbouring branches where they are fed by their parents.