Barn Owl Chicks Bond After Father Dies | Gylfie & Finn | Robert E Fuller

Date filmed: July-August 2022
When their father Finn dies suddenly, barn owl chicks Fern, Griffin and Freya become a close-knit team.
Watch barn owls interact live on my nest cam: • Live From Fotherdale |... and follow the story of barn owls Gylfie & Finn in this playlist: • Barn Owls 🦉 Gylfie & F...
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ABOUT THIS FILM
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Unusual owl bond
At around 40 days old barn owl chicks naturally spend more time alone in their nest and are fiercely competitive. But since losing their father Finn, who tragically drowns in a water trough, Freya, Griffin and Fern have developed an unusual bond.
Support
Finn's loss has also hit their mother Gylfie, who works alone to feed this growing brood. As a summer drought develops, I help her out with deliveries of food.
Summer heatwave
It's searing hot and the chicks are overwhelmed. Watch them flutter the feathers on their necks to aid heat loss.
Freya's first look outside
But at night the temperature drops, and the barn owl chicks become more active. The eldest Freya, takes her first look at the world outside.
ID rings
When the barn owl chicks are seven weeks old, licensed BTO ringer Jean Thorpe arrives to place numbered tags on their legs. The chicks are also weighed and measured and these statistics sent off to a national database.
Chicks prepare for first flights
At eight weeks the chicks become more active, hopping and pouncing in the nest as they get ready for their first flights.
Rebellious
Freya, the eldest chick, is the most confident, she also quite sassy. Watch her mother Gylfie discipline her when she tries to block the entrance to the nest.
Gylfie attracts new partner
Then three weeks since she lost Finn, Gylfie catches the eye of a new suitor. After examining the tag on this male's leg I discover that this barn owl was actually rescued from a corn dryer and raised here at Fotherdale - alongside Finn
Dryer
So this new owl, whom I name Dryer, is actually Finn’s surrogate step-brother. And now he's got his eye on Gylfie. This shows the power of ringing! Without the ring, we’d never have known Dryer’s story
First barn owl fledges
Freya is the first to venture out of the nest, but she hops right back after coming face to face with a young tawny owl. Her next attempt to fledge is equally dramatic as she can't find her way back in!
Fledging follows
One by one the siblings leave the nest. Fern, the youngest spends a whole night out in the trees but returns the following day.
First days
The trio continue to spend their time close to their Elm Stump nest box as they learn how to live independently and it's a pleasure to watch them grow in confidence. When their father Finn died, I wasn't sure how the family would survive and here they are at three months old living a life in the wild.
New chapter for Gylfie
And although Gylfie and Finn’s story has come to an end, Gylfie and Dryer’s story is just beginning
ABOUT ME
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I am a British wildlife artist and filmmaker on a mission to share my love for wildlife with the world. As well as creating detailed animal film and art portraits, I promote wildlife tours around the world and do all I can to help conserve and protect wildlife here at my home in Yorkshire. I hope that by putting nature in the frame I can foster a deep love for wildlife amongst my followers.
You may like to purchase my artwork which you can find on my website: www.robertefuller.com. Many of my paintings are portraits of the wonderful characters you watch here!
You can also follow me on these platforms:
Website: www.robertefuller.com
Facebook: / robertefullerart
Twitter: / robertefuller
Instagram: / robertefuller
CHAPTERS
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00:00 Barn Owl Chicks Alone
00:42 Barn Owl Chicks Support Each Other
01:30 Heatwave
02:31 ID Rings Fitted
06:23 Gylfie Meets New Male
06:59 Freya Fledges
08:36 New Male Identified
09:34 Griffin Fledges
10:21 Fern Fledges
10:40 Fledglings Fly Free
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© Robert E Fuller
Copyright Disclaimer: Please feel free to share my videos but do not download any content without permission with the intent to re-upload. If you would like to license any content, please get in touch: [e-mail]
#robertefuller #barnowl #gylfieandfinn #wildlives

[@RobertEFuller]

I hope you've enjoyed the video! Watch more Gylfie & Finn films: kzbin.info/aero/PLx09JDaWUEFPztNvVpVf7yCvfCRwFv0HU&si=GL62BZV5k639lNjG See them 24/7 on my livestream: kzbin.info/aero/PLx09JDaWUEFM-u8Q8V11cI1Ghk_-byaPM] Support my work with wildlife: : www.robertefuller.com/support_and_donate/ Shop my SPECIES artwork: www.robertefuller.com/product-tag/owl/ Follow me: Facebook - bit.ly/43LiisV | Twitter - bit.ly/43yuiO9 | Instagram - bit.ly/3XV7rLA | TikTok - bit.ly/3XUnEAJ

[@kss987]

I really enjoyed that thanks a lot

[@thomasmleahy6218]

You've got a very successful barn owl 'production facility' going there. Super! That makes me wonder, are there any actual barns nearby? I'm thinking of the old fashioned barns, big, huge support timbers and beams.

[@karyng5587]

What a beautiful film. I have realized there are 3 certainties… 1. Finn was a once in a lifetime Owl, 2. Wildlife will continue to amaze us . And 3 Thank goodness for GrandDad Robert❤ Rip Finn 💔

[@WobblesandBean]

He truly was, he was an exceptional mate and owl dad. He will be missed.

[@daftirishmarej1827]

I love the idea of Robert being their granddad! 😊

[@nancyvalente3763]

These babies are Gylfie and Finn's pride and joy--they will carry their parent's legacy in the years to come. RIP Finn knowing you did your job well.

[@rosebudkeely8153]

Finn was a beautiful owl, his loss was very sad, although I'm glad Gylfie is still here, and with her new mate Dryer

[@HyperSonic3D3]

I think this is the first time that the chicks share the food

[@onababona6101]

right!!!!!!!!

[@Spitfiresammons]

A new beginning chapter for Glyfie and Dryer Finn would be proud to see his chicks grow and becoming independent owls. Great video Robert.

[@exidy-yt]

It never ceases to amaze me how chill barn owlets are when it comes to being scooped out of the nest for ringing day then say, kestrels. They just put up with the whole process of being scooped up and popped in a sack and then having strange things completely outside their experience being done to them with little more reaction then ".....you done yet?" 😅

[@juliesong4123]

Finn passed on his genes to three beautiful chick's!

[@JoshO423]

Whenever Robert Fueller watches them fledge, I bet it’s like a father or grandfather watching his own drive off to college.

[@loue6563]

When I was little I use to get little metal clips and “tag” my stuffed animals. 🤪

[@feliciacoffey6832]

That is so freaking cute!! What a great little scientist-kid you were!!!

[@caroledwards1182]

How sad that we've lost Finn, as you watch them over the months they almost become like family. They're lucky they have "dad" Robert. As always, thank you so much for the care you give all these beautiful creatures and the beautiful videos you make for us. Looking forward to the story of Gylfie and Dryer.

[@Lwof1025]

Brought tears to my eyes, seeing Finn in the trough. I'm so sorry he was lost. Thank you Robert for these beautiful videos and for helping the babies when circumstances go awry.

[@marthasundquist5761]

My 2 year old grandson loves watching the owl videos. We've been watching for a few months now. I went back to older videos with the tawny owls, as he wants to see one each day here is here...lol, and we babysit 4 days a week.

[@RepellentJeff]

I love how chill these little ones always are while being handled by something basically 20 times their size. 😂

[@clearlyrebecca]

Especially compared to the kestrels. They scream their lungs out every time they get ringed.

[@doremefasolateeda]

Thats why i always place something in the water trough so that anyone can climb out so they dont get stuck and drown.

[@izziedoradora3799]

Why are my eyes wet over Finn.

[@niteprowl2693]

Mr. Fuller, You have a rare talent of being able to tell a story so that others can understand what, exactly is going on. The videos you make bring nature closer to us city folk. Please keep up the good work.

[@RobertEFuller]

Thank you so much, many more exciting videos planned so keep watching!

[@anga9495]

I'm so sorry about Finn... what a tragic loss. He was such a great dad to watch. I love barn owls. I've always had a fascination with them since I was a child and observed them living locally.

[@SibylleLeon]

It's very special, the way the chicks band together and support each other after their dad dies. Very touching to watch ❤

[@trendbypower]

I will miss Finn. He was my favourite in the 2019 video. But I’m very happy the owlets are fledged and gyflie has a found a new male. But goodbye Finn,

[@SJL07]

Robert, this is such amazing and beautiful videography of this owl family. Thank you for sharing it with us all 🩶

[@shoes123uk8]

Aw, Finn is so missed but he'd be very proud of his young owlets I'm sure ❤ Goodluck to Gylfie and Dryer.

[@Volkslady]

Oh, no, poor Finn! Thank you for helping Gylfie and her babes!

[@pamelabiery2606]

Very sorry about Finn. Glad the trio is good!!❤❤

[@cathymcglasson6947]

I remember when finn died that was so sad.

[@jocelynaccetta6853]

So nice how they share food when only 1 parent is delivering the food.

[@hazonku]

Very sad about Finn's passing after watching him since he was first dropped into that brood but it's great that Dryer is picking up the slack.

[@angelserenade]

I'm thankful that Finn was able to left us his parting gifts: Freya, Griffin, and Fern. Hopefully these 3 young barn owls would carry Finn's legacy onto the next generation of barn owls. Also, when Gylfie tried to correct Freya, I don't know why it made me remember of that one time when one of the adult barn owls snatched its siblings away...😢

[@marysaltlife1427]

Oh, no! Poor Fynn! Died in a water trough. So sad to hear. I'll be thinking of the remaining family. Thank you for the info, albeit sad.

[@senyagwynn8121]

I'm so saddened by Finn's death!!😢 This breaks my heart!!💛😢 Thank you for Gylfie!!!💛💛

[@tania8257]

how did he die?😢

[@senyagwynn8121]

@@tania8257 They found him in a water trough. Precious baby😥

[@tania8257]

@@senyagwynn8121 oh no bless him so sad 😭

[@senyagwynn8121]

@tania8257 yes it is terribly 😥

[@emperorpalpatine2957]

We really need to update the designs of our water troughs, they're causing the deaths of birds of prey entirely too often.

[@janetfitzgerald5794]

someone online posted a birdbath with a flat river rock 1/2 submerged in it so birds could hop up onto it

[@rm2828]

SUPERB cinematography & narration & Love for wildlife…you literally give LIFE to Us with your work! ❤️from Montreal

[@lindaclough9234]

Sense I found this channel I love watching the birds, yes I’m also sorry about Finn.

[@christinabroadhead3810]

Wonderful film! Life goes on. It's great the three get along well. Barn owls have the most beautiful colouring and markings. Thank you.

[@careypierce8131]

Another amazing video. Finn is so missed but I’m so glad Gylfie has Dryer. Gylfie is hands down the most beautiful female barn owl I’ve seen.

[@anitavincent7447]

Aaahhh! The cycle of life. Sadness replaced by joy for this beautiful creature who has found a new mate to live life as it should be. What an amazing video. Thank you for all you do. 🙏🏻🥰

[@robindutton3464]

I am so sorry about Finn. Glad Gylfie has found someone to make her life more meaningful.❤️🦉

[@kerrykestrowl6785]

Great video ref nice to see the finnlets together and their fluff ❤ Freya was a fierce owlet Gylfie is a good catch and dryer is a good father and mate thank you for dryers story

[@Ksweetpea]

Ive been here since Gylfie was paired with Barney. Its great to see her still going and to choose such fit mates. Dryer has big shoes to fill

[@AliceLee-rj2ew]

Great follow up

[@AE-se9bl]

Thanks for this lovely and of course sad video ! I still miss Finn so much ! But of course happy for Gylfie that she found Dryer and got more beautiful owlets with him! ❤❤❤

[@vegas4dog]

I love how relaxed the chicks are when they are being handled and banded! Chewing on the bands makes me smile!

[@woollyfingers]

Absolutely stunning photography of the little ones coping with the hot weather.

[@leahmahaffey0526]

We have watched your channel all night. You are the wild life show we have ever watched. We have been moved by your love and care you give to all the animals. Wow what a wonderful way to bring soo much education to us. We are making nest for the animals on our property. Thank you!❤❤ MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT FROM TEXAS

[@whatsgoingon2029]

Bless you Finn and All.🙏💖🌟

[@francesth85]

How incredible that Dryer is Finn’s sibling!! Says something about the bonds of families. Thank you very much for sharing this and all your videos. Truly awesome and puts you, Mr. Fuller, in a class of the extraordinary, an ambassador-spokesperson for Nature.🖖

[@pennylehrer1306]

That was a Great video! You're a fantastic narrator.

[@Hossak]

Finn was such a beautiful fellow. Thank you Robert for showing this amazing story.

[@Iflie]

That's so lovely how the chick tries to feed the sibling, I guess with how well fed they are the urge to fight over food is less. Maybe that one will be a good mom or dad too.

[@hanky.9476]

The family has to stick together!

[@LibraLady59]

I love your gentle voice narrating the stories of our feathered friends! Thank you!💜🙏💜🙏💜

[@RobertEFuller]

You are so welcome

[@donnastormer9652]

Thanks to ringing we now know a beautiful story continues! Dryer, may you live a long full life!

[@helenburnley1650]

Awe. Cute. So sad for the loss of their father.

[@patriciahollatz3435]

Beautiful Finn rest in peace good Owl.

[@hallowedtalon8106]

I’m so sorry about Finn. He was such a striking owl. I hope he didn’t suffer and that it was quick. May his light continue to soar in the skies above! This whole story is incredible to watch develop; the three siblings helping each other into their fledging, and Gylfie finding a new partner despite a heavy loss, and the backstory with Dryer (her new suitor) being a surrogate brother to Finn is so amazing. Like a plot twist in a movie. It’s like they were meant to be. Already they are very close. It is all so darn sweet! I look forward to the rest of this beautiful saga ❤

[@tronbunny]

This is such an amazing story. Thank you for giving us the chance to see it play out. The hard work of looking after the nests, cameras and the surrounding lands bears the fruit of thriving wildlife.

[@sutilako8849]

NOOOOOOO NOT FINN THIS IS SAD!!!!!!!😦😦

[@melissamartin8266]

Wildlife is sooo amazing to watch. Thank you for sharing your experiences.❤

[@harrietking8768]

Robert, that was so beautiful. I felt moved to tears. I’m so sad that Finn passed away. I hope Glyfie and Dryer make a new life. Watching the owlets grow and fledge was amazing. Thank you for all you do. Harriet (Tasmania) x

[@toldavf1523]

Fern is our beautiful golden glutton, If we are very lucky we will get to see her brooding Finns grandowlets next year.

[@wildguy4773]

I cant imagine how gylfie was sad when she knew her mate passed away. Dryer probably knew to beacuse barn owls are smart birds and can remember well, he had probably bond with finn before they went on seperate paths. I hope dryer takes care of gylfie well as finn did ❤

[@toanuva6178]

8:58 it’s becoming an Owl Soap Opera

[@user-eh9jo8xv3k]

I love all films Robert is doing, its making me learn more about birds, Keep on making these amazing videos!

[@flyingfree7]

They are so very cute...does she understand Daddy is gone...the chicks are precious. ❤

[@sylviadrees3761]

Now shes Smsingle parent. Hard job.

[@metropcs7560]

Just amazing Sir, I really respect what you do!!! Real God send!!!

[@metropcs7560]

When I see the beauty of these animals, from your point of view, I see the amazing Love of God in the world!!! This shows how you have such talent and how much God loves animals.

[@AGxAG]

,Poor Finn , 😢

[@suzannecarter445]

Wonderful story-telling!

[@polarbeary899]

It's so sad the finn passed. I really liked watching him

[@robinz2000]

Thank you for the tireless hours that you spend doing this. We really really appreciate it

[@susanleezer182]

Thank you 🙏 Robert❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@nanakatz1492]

My cat absolutely loves watching your videos. And your voice and storytelling draw me in, too. Thank you for this high quality content! 💜

[@harperstickney565]

I can’t stop thinking how cute they are and I’m so sad that happened to fin he will live in his mates heart

[@CandiceGoddard]

Wow I'm sorry to hear that Finn has passed away. My cat died on the 5th October just 10 days ago. Since then I've come to realise even more how close to humans the animal brethren are in terms of their sentience and impact in this world. I hope Finn is flying through an everlasting sky.

[@richardcox8409]

Thank you so much for bringing us these incredible stories and amazing footage, really appreciate it sir.

[@user-mh6np9iy9g]

They were so calm when he got them out so cute!❤❤❤❤❤😊😊

[@mouchette1184]

Belle solidarité entre frères et sœurs ! Maman, elle, c'est plus vite vite consolée que vous. Belle vidéo

[@stephenwinter8892]

Greetings from Canada thanks for sharing this video very eye opening and you obviously have a special relationship with the bird's 😊

[@silviamiranda5480]

Beautiful. So pure. Fantastic job Robert

[@mirandamartin4001]

Gylfie: Young lady you will not be acting disrespectful under my roof!

[@Astonyshing]

Wonderful compilation. It's now a year since they were born, I hope that the young owlets have done well. The fatality rate (based upon figures from the RSPB) among young barn owls is depressingly high, unfortunately.

[@jeffj2495]

Thank you Robert for another stellar video. RIP Finn...the cycle of life continues.

[@kathleenmccaffery1313]

What a bittersweet video Robert! ❤️‍🩹 I know it must tug at your heartstrings as well. The darling owlets are thriving and carrying on Finns legacy.. What an honorable tribute 😚❣️ Greetings to everyone from upstate New York! 😊🦉

[@umikalthumabdulmajid5406]

Tqvm Robert for being such a great observer and lover of wild life. U've been able to tell such wonderful stories about d creatures around your home and we get thrills to know about their lifestyles, their trials and tribulations. Thanks to u and your efforts, I look on at nature with different eyes. ❤😍

[@KerrieHutchings-un2hc]

❤ little darlings

[@Llandraa]

Awwwww poor Finn, glad they are still doing well.

[@Llandraa]

Why are all the babies so calm when you take them for banding and weigh in.

[@RobertEFuller]

They think if they keep very still and very quiet any danger will pass. It is just their natural response to an unusual situation.

[@fsh57]

the Finn's soul is in Dryer now to take care of baby owls and Gylfie. Thanks Robert to help these beautiful souls

[@Ryviusx01]

Finn and Fern, I see what you're doing there. =] Sounds like someone is a big fan of Adventure Time!

[@Judithestears]

What a precious story! ❤❤❤

[@sidensvans67]

Another wonderful film . Thank you for this .

[@dianasherrill6154]

I l ove watching the owls wild lives! THANK YOU !

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you like them!

[@herpderp3916]

I'm honestly gobsmacked at seeing that chick share food with its smaller sibling when normally they're so competitive. Can't help but wonder if Finn's friendly temperament was passed on to them.

[@sutilako8849]

Welp RIP finn

[@elizabethyoung4900]

Such a wonderful video, beautiful birds, incredible plumage ❤❤❤❤

[@connieflanery1568]

Thank you again, Mr. Fuller, for another lovely video and the synopsis regarding the offspring Of Gilfie and Finn. I remember the day you went looking for Finn and, as you feared, found he had drowned. You made up for his loss by assisting Gilfie in feeding the chicks. I know there are some who would frown on that and consider it interference. Others, including myself, applaud your compassion and would do the same. We all need "looking out for" at some point in our lives. May we be so fortunate to let it be someone like you.

[@Apolodorita]

So interesting, so lovely🤗 ❤❤❤ 12:15 you have a wonderful job, dear Robert and you're the best for it 😊🥰🥰

[@cinm9565]

Thank you ❤

[@selenanieto8152]

What a thrill to watch! Made my night. Thanks for making it.

[@lostinmydreams4561]

Aww its sad to hear Finn go. I remember watching him and Gylfie when I first found your channel. I thought barn owls mate for life. Well, I guess its for the best that Gylfie has moved on with a new partner. Also its super sweet to see the bond these baby owls have. So sweet to see that they never left each other, not even after fledging for the first time❤️

[@jelenasabova2599]

Thank you for posting this videos. Love nature, loove owls! 🥰