FOR many years barn owls have chosen a willow tree overlooking a pond at the edge of a grass field, as the perfect place to rear their owlets. John dug the pond out many years ago to make a virtue out of a wet spot, and to offer himself a recreational opportunity if stocked with carp. Within just a few years however bushes and irises had taken root around the edges to join an existing willow tree, and now it represents a wildlife oasis for both wildfowl and, excitingly, barn owls.

Although barn owls mate for life, that life expectancy is only approximately four years. And not all reach that ripe old age.So since John thoughtfully erected a nest box for the owls in this particular willow tree over 20 years ago, several pairs owls will have chosen the old packing case as their ideal nesting place.

There had been little sign of habitation in the box over winter and John had also spotted that the box was in need of repair to provide a secure des res for this years broods. A side of the case had loosened and come away, and, to ensure a watertight nursery for any owlets, an urgent quick fix was required.

Apparently owls do not build their nest out of materials gathered from twigs or leaves. They lay their eggs on the debris from previous nests and by that I mean layers of owl pellets. The indigestible fur and bone from all those little voles, shrews and mice that they have swallowed whole, then regurgitated in a compact ball. It is illegal to disturb a nesting pair of owls, so John wanted to complete the repair before the birds laid any eggs. But we were only just in time because as soon as he placed the ladder against the willow, an owl shot out of the box. What to do?

As it was the box was not in a good state to protect a new brood, so John decided to check inside to see if everything was OK to continue. Relief. No eggs or small bundles of down. Repair completed we hung around for half an hour and were relieved to see the homeowner return.

A quick refresher course on barn owls courtesy of t’internet and I learned that soon the female owl would stay more and more in the box, whilst her mate brought her a selection of ready meals to fatten her up prior to egg laying. Home deliveries are certainly not a new concept in the bird world.