Most of the boxes at Rollesby have been predated, with the young all taken, possibly by a Weasel or Grey Squirrel. The season seems to be quite protracted with boxes ringed a week ago now on the wing and others still to ring with very small young.
One box contained a couple of dead pulli that were being 'processed' by these Burying Beetles
One of the lucky ones so far !
The Tawny Owls were revisited, they seem to be struggling as well. A brood of 3 is now 2 and the couple of broods that contained 2 now have 1 in each. One box contained a half eaten Mole, this was the only prey item we found in any of the boxes and not an ideal one at that.
Mother and child
Proud ' Father'
At Haddiscoe and Horning Lapwing broods were ringed, another species that seems to be dwindling in our area.On the plus side at Horning about 20 pairs of House Martin are nesting, a superb sight.
We did check one Barn Owl box, last year this had Little Owl's which bred successfully raising 3 young. This year it has Barnies back, the female was ringed and 3 small young were in the box, these are finding more prey than the Tawnies as 3 juicy Field Voles lay in the box ready for dinner.
Female Barn Owl
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