Bird watchers have been having a hoot spotting barn owl chicks that have been born at a nature reserve.
At least five chicks are crammed into a nestbox at the RSPB’s Fowlmere nature reserve, with the parents roosting in another box nearby.
Doug Radford, site manager of the reserve, said: “The birds are easily seen from the nature trail, and we can even see what food the parents are bringing. Moles seem to be the favourite at the moment – that should please the golfers at the course near the reserve!
“The oldest chick should start to fly in mid-June, but because the eggs hatch two to three days apart, the youngest could be in the box for 10 days after that.”
If the owls have not flown the nest by tomorrow (Sunday), visitors will be able to view them at the nature reserve’s discovery day, which runs from 10am-4pm. Various activities are taking place throughout the day and entry is free.
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