Barn Owls Reclaim Nest After Evicting Broody Stock Dove

Barn owls Tappy and Sparkle consider Ash Tree nest to be their home. But they're only there at night. During the day, there's another visitor. This stock dove also approves of the accommodation. And believing the nest site is empty, she lays two eggs here. This stock dove hears movement outside and quickly flees. The barn owls are back. Tappy senses something's amiss and pauses to investigate. He's soon distracted by his mate as Sparkle arrives. And the pair mate, strengthening their bond.

Tappy brings Sparkle food, a sign that he can provide for her and their future chicks. The following day, the stock dove returns to incubate her eggs. That evening, Tappy and Sparkle return and find her inside the nest. But, the stock dove's instinct to care for those eggs is strong. And she's chased out night after night. Eventually, in a flurry of feathers, she gives up. Tappy and Sparkle reclaim the nest, but it's a bittersweet victory. Hopefully, the stock dove will find a safer place and begin again.