A Heartbreaking End for Willow’s Chicks

Early this morning I had to share the sad news I was dreading – Willow’s barn owl chicks have not survived. Despite her best efforts, she simply couldn’t find enough food to keep them alive. With the male disappearing a couple of weeks ago, the odds were always stacked against her, but watching her try so hard and ultimately lose the battle has been heartbreaking.

What makes this even harder is remembering how different things were just last year. In 2024, this pair successfully raised four strong chicks – a real success story. To see them struggle so much this year, and for it to end this way, feels like a year to forget for barn owls.

Sadly, Willow’s story is not unique. Across the country, barn owls have had a terrible year. Prey numbers are down, and without enough food to go around, many pairs have been unable to rear their young. It’s a sobering reminder of how fragile life is for these wonderful birds and how quickly things can change.

Although it’s desperately sad to lose this brood, sharing these updates is important. Monitoring helps us understand the challenges barn owls face, and why protecting their habitats and food sources is so vital. My hope is that next year brings better fortunes – more prey in the fields, healthier conditions, and another chance for Willow to raise a family.

For now, I’ll remember this season as a tough one, and hope brighter days are ahead for these incredible birds.

Willow with her second egg

Barn Owl chicks from 2024