Barn Owl Chicks Develop Extraordinary Bond | Gylfie & Dryer | Robert E Fuller

This is the story of how three barn owl chicks are so well cared for, they put aside usual sibling rivalry and develop an extraordinary bond.
Date filmed: July-August 2023
Watch Gylfie & Dryer interact live on my nest cam: • Live From Fotherdale |... and follow their story in this playlist: • Barn Owls 🦉 Gylfie & F...
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ABOUT THIS FILM
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Barn owls Thunder, Storm and Cloud
Named by fans of this channel, these barn owl chicks are 26, 22 and 20 days old and are the offspring of Gylfie and Dryer.
Barn owl chicks at 4 weeks
By this age the chicks can thermoregulate, which means they can maintain their own body temperature, and their mother Gylfie no longer needs to be in the nest all day, but she and her partner Dryer do need to keep the chicks fed.
Owl dad provides
Dryer does an incredible job hunting and delivering food, so much so that there is enough for Gylfie to snack on too!
Flapping practice
By August the chicks spend more and more time stretching their wings and pouncing around the nest practising their hunting techniques
Sibling support
One evening as Dryer delivers, I notice some unusual behaviour. The eldest chick Thunder passes the food to his younger sibling, Storm. And then I notice him do it again, clearly this altruism is a purposeful act
Leaving the nest
At 48 days old Thunder leaves the nest for the first time, but he doesn't venture far and soon returns to the safety of his siblings.
Flight preparation
But this barn owlet is nearly ready to go, but his siblings don’t want him to go and try to pull him down from the entrance and Thunder seems torn. The drive for independence is strong, but the steady supply of food and the company of his siblings are good reasons to stay.
Thunder adopts role of carer
Amazingly, this barn owlet seems to also have taken on the role of feeding his siblings too!
ID rings
Before the chicks fledge I'm joined by Jean Thorpe, from the Ryedale Rehabilitation centre, a British Trust for Ornithology licensed bird ringer. Each BTO ring has a unique number, and will enable us to track these birds throughout their life
Health checks
As Jean carefully fits the rings, I remind her that Dryer was an owl she rescued. This would have been impossible to know if Dryer didn’t have an ID ring
Owlets weight & sex
All three chicks weigh exactly the same, 390g, which is very healthy. Ringing these chicks also gives us an opportunity to try and sex these owl chicks. A pale facial disk and no sparkles indicates Thunder is probably male, whereas darker feathers, and sparkles let us know that Storm and Cloud are likely to be female.
It has been an amazing few months watching this barn owl pair raise their three chicks into healthy young barn owls and to see the eldest Thunder take his first steps outside.
Join me next time to watch Storm and Cloud follow in their brother’s footsteps and explore the area around their nest here in Fotherdale and get an unprecedented insight into a barn owl chick’s life after fledging as Storm and Cloud set up residence in Beech Stump and Storm even ventures over to Ash Wood!
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: www.robertefuller.com. Many of my paintings are portraits of the characters you watch here!
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#robertefuller #barnowl #gylfieanddryer #wildlives
CHAPTERS
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00:00 Introduction
01:17 Learning To Stand
02:00 Home Alone
02:55 Dryer Providing
04:38 Gylfie Drops By
06:53 Sharing Food
07:58 Dryer Looks Outside
10:12 Thunder Fledges
10:42 Ringing
13:49 Recap and Next Time
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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]

[@kawangkwok5262]

These are probably the most tied siblings ever had, thunder would give his food to sisters, rather benefit of his own, and also weight all the same! Never get better than that!

[@LSshines]

After watching bald eagles be instinctually brutal to one another, it’s a pleasure to see bonded siblings like these 3. Thank you for sharing these precious lives.

[@TJ-Judge]

Owls are so sweet to their siblings.. its adorable

[@LSshines]

@@TJ-Judge I had no idea, until I saw this family.

[@mirandamartin4001]

Dryer did pretty well as a first time dad

[@LunaLei]

I only just thought that Thunder has such strong paternal instincts... already practicing the passing of food. I hope to see him soon again.

[@jmd1743]

You're a modern day Steve Irwin with your presentation style and how you interact with the animals.

[@atimidbirb]

Holy fk I have NEVER seen three chicks weigh the EXACT same. That´s so cool! It´s definitely the result of Thunder carefully rationing food for all three of them! :D

[@GlitzyWitch]

It's so cute to see bog brother Thunder looking after his 2 little sisters, sharing food with them. Such a beautiful journey, Gylfie and Dryer are great parents ❤❤❤

[@YujiUedaFan]

He'll make a great partner when he's older too! Already sharing with the ladies!

[@GiovannaLaFoglia]

I love the Gylfie & Dryer 2023 series. It’s such a treat to see their lives unfold. I’m looking forward to the next instalment. Thank you Robert for sharing their story ❤.

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you like them!

[@lickkkkit]

I haven't known that owl parents have a honeymoon home away from their kids. And it was adorable to see the owlet siblings share and pass meals along to each other because Gylfie & Dryer have fed them so well. The shot of 3 of them together 13:21 & 13:59....How cute!

[@santa__bgblockman3396]

the place is just amazing for all of them

[@Fire-Fox007]

7:49 Dat head bob tho

[@oldtiredm53]

Love the barn owls!

[@kerrykestrowl6785]

gylfie and dryer have adorable chicks I am so proud of of dryer gylfie I adore she is my favorite barnowl❤s

[@MsLeenite]

Thank you, Mr Fuller. That was a wonderful story! Gylfie and Dryer have done a great job; those chicks are so healthy and strong. I look forward to following their progress.

[@kai.a4708]

They are such wonderful owls!! Amazing to follow their journey!! 🌟 All thanks to you!!

[@kayefuentes4178]

You are truly a great producer of bird films. I love watching the owls grow from little balls of fluffy, thru an ugly phase to become beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing your talent and film with us.

[@dizzylizzy_369]

I love your channel! Thank you for all you do and for sharing it with likeminded people!

[@kerensahardesty9851]

How is it that the owls lay so calmly in your arms when you hold them? I've never seen such chill wild owls!

[@noreenclark2568]

Thunder is farther advanced facially than the other two

[@cya2163]

that was an amazing journey to watch - even moreso bc of their father...thank you for sharing...God bless...

[@adriane5496]

Beautiful babies ❤

[@LunaCidnie]

The babies were so mad that their mom ate their food 🥲

[@AliceLee-rj2ew]

Go Gylfe & Dryer.

[@Ragetiger1]

This video was a lot more interesting than I first thought it was. Normally, first egg tends to yield a female, but Thunder is likely to be male. I might be missing the one chick that didn't survive, but I'm assuming it was the second egg cause of the 4 day gap between Thunder and Strom - where Storm and Cloud only have 2 days apart.

[@jeanblaaa]

There’s a longer video on this up on his channel that would answer your questions! :)

[@LunaLei]

I think the youngest was the one who died. The weakest and less-fed ones usually get so weak and die and get fed to the others for nourishment.

[@jessicam5712]

What a great big brother, caring for his younger sisters and them all being the same weight. Its incredible that all of these dramas and miracles are happening around us and we lose sight of it sometimes.

[@kipsohns7971]

Your videos are so beautiful! Thank you so much!

[@stephenwinter8892]

Greetings from Canada thanks for sharing this video about gylfie and dryer

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks for watching!

[@dawnadriana1764]

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. My heart fills with joy every time. Thank you, sir.

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@dagmarkunzel5406]

Thank you for this beautiful video and the fairytale story. May healthy and happy owlets emerge from Gylfie and Dryer's nursery this year too

[@kenhughes4715]

They are beautiful. Thank you.

[@AC-ni4gt]

I wonder if it could be possible to have a portrait of them.

[@japupkind8493]

Love you all! You Mister, Lady and the birds.

[@vivianefrancart5065]

IT IS A BEAUTIFUL FILM, THE CHICKS ARE SO UGLI WHEN THEY ARE VERY YOUNG, AND GROW UP TO BE VERY BEAUTIFUL OWLS. I LOVE THEM ALL. THANK YOU FOR SHARING Mr ROBERT E FULLER💚💚💚🌹🌱🌿

[@jwsangyun]

배가 불러 안먹는게 아니라.. 그걸 형제에게 전해주는 장면은 처음봤네요.. 너무 멋지고 아름다운 새입니다..

[@soaringkite2673]

Oh, how I love owls! ❤❤❤

[@susanhancock1634]

Wow, the content, photography on this channel are better than anything I've seen, even on the BBC! Can't tell you how much Ive enjoyed these videos and the joy it has brought in my life observing these wild birds up close.

[@soniaribeirokloth1914]

Hi, Robert! Amazing video, with this special family!! Thank you for sharing these great moments!! 🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉🙌🤩😍🙏😃

[@celiajean7093]

In this world of chaos, your videos are so refreshing and uplifting. And to watch these chicks grow and share is truly awesome. Thank you for all your time and effort in creating these videos for us. 🙏

[@gracejacobs1954]

Nice! They feed each other

[@francoisebeylie2923]

Thunder, Storm and Cloud : the Weather Family's chicks...

[@joanegiard-2633]

❤❤❤

[@kelsey1805]

Truly amazing. I have been taking a break from KZbin to listen to books but I have to visit to get my owl updates.

[@skehleben7699]

So beautiful, love your films, drawings and paintings, and this channel!

[@NYheartinAZ]

This is brilliant and so beautifully edited. Thank you, Robert, for helping and guiding these wonderful owls as you perfectly document their journey into adulthood. Truly inspiring and amazing to get such a rare glimpse into their lives. Nature is so beautiful but can also be cruel. I’ve been watching a live can of eagles who have been paired together for 5 years and not one of their last 3 eggs hatched. They’re not viable anymore according to the group but the Eagles are still resilient In trying to keep their eggs warm. The pair work together perfectly and the dad often gets annoyed if the mom wants her time before he’s ready to leave the nest. They’ve built a gorgeous nest together but unfortunately nature had other plans for this pair. I cry when watching them; knowing that their eggs are not going to hatch. This channel has such an uplifting feeling and for that, I’m so grateful to you. ❤ 🦉🦅🥚🪺

[@louiseburke4783]

I absolutely love your videos!! Just found it a week ago!!! Thank you for sharing!!

[@RobertEFuller]

You are so welcome!

[@cdnqgramma3373]

Absolutely delightful.... just wonderful to see these beauties up close .... I had no idea they raised babies, so late into the season... but your weather seasons must be different than ours. Thanks for the upload Robert.

[@ginangan8892]

Is amazing sibling love

[@wb8ert]

I think it great the chicks help each other learn what they need to live and thrive.

[@connienana1623]

They are so pretty!

[@YujiUedaFan]

They all weighed the same because Thunder liked to share.

[@normanjefferychester882]

Thank you for sharing Robert, Wonderful 🌞

[@samsavojbolagi5513]

what a beautiful creatures, got few of these in west Lancs too, sighting is a treat as I drive at night

[@judycook4314]

To me they are sort of homely as chicks, but when they mature that are such beautiful birds!!

[@lobstermash]

Yes I agree - when they're little they are utterly endearing but the word 'beautiful' does not apply. They are really ugly.

[@susanschmid2271]

Super.

[@scaredsilly1982]

Thank You for Sharing!

[@bertrammoshier8770]

These are wonderful chicks to watch!

[@greninjastorm6734]

Owlets: MOM! MOM! WE'RE HUNGRY! Gylfie: Alright! Alright! I'll go hunt!

[@timf6916]

Nice

[@Smashingblouse]

When Jean was putting on the first ring mr owl said “who the hell do you think you are”? 😂😂

[@LKBRICKS1993]

Excellent really enjoyed it

[@bellefleur8847]

Formidable ! ☘️

[@ingridbond3432]

so beautiful, thank you💗🕊️🌿

[@mellowfishie]

beautiful video!!

[@deboraha.tucker8022]

Such a heartwarming story.💝

[@jonnitrea]

Thank you for making such delightful work for the world to enjoy!!!

[@BIGDAVE5352]

Such beautiful Barns!❤

[@demil3618]

Wonderful and good work by all involved.

[@AshleyTylor2121]

Awesome videos.

[@msinvincible2000]

Aww, the sharing of food was so adorable!

[@Tytito1]

Loved your story. That's a very creative barn owl house too!

[@ingridbond3432]

what a great story 🦉🩷🌿

[@nancydemoss2945]

They are so precious! I love Barn Owls 🦉

[@lindaamaurer1869]

This short film on Barn owls was amazing absolutely fantastic I can’t, thank you enough you really made my evening. !!

[@cobbean]

Brilliant film. Amazing to capture Thunder sharing food ♥

[@jeanhawken4482]

Lovely

[@ellenl5626]

It will be wonderful seeing how these beautiful siblings grow and develop!

[@justinesorel6325]

Beautiful little darlings 💕❤

[@lyngruen8607]

LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! EDUCATIONAL AND VERY ENTERTAINING. THANK YOU ROBERT. 🦉🦉🦉 Texas Nana

[@renatefeller5208]

So schön,das die Jungtiere alle einen Namen haben🌹🇨🇭

[@freshandzestyfood5033]

Enjoying the graphics on the videos. Thanks for climbing all those ladders REF! 😱

[@NSResponder]

Fascinating video as always, Mr. Fuller. You're right up there with David Attenborough as far as I'm concerned.

[@UNOMations]

14:38 Just launches into a sibling

[@mirandamartin4001]

Good thing it wasn’t kestrel chicks you were catching in that nest. Absolute chaos

[@melissamarioth9554]

Wow the chick's ate very demanding 😮😮😮😂😂😂

[@pergustafsson570]

from sweden

[@glassowlie]

10:43 Upside down head! 😅

[@thaily1977]

Helo tuyệt vời quá ❤❤❤

[@laurapalmer511]

That is *fascinating* behavior with the food sharing. I'm wondering if maybe this is a barn owl specific behavior, then

[@stephenwinter8892]

Do the barn owls especially the parents are aware of your presence whenever you have to interfere? Usually birds of prey especially from my experience are not always pleasant

[@ethelion5000]

Hmm probably because they're so well fed that they can share, other owlets probably fight due to usual scarcity of food.

[@user-zq2ko2nj6e]

Как люди😅

[@shanti9040]

❤❤❤🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉💕💕💕💕💕👏👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@kerrykestrowl6785]

I think their weight was the same because they where feeding each other

[@MolotovHunter]

With now sweet and nurturing Thunder is, it makes me wonder...could he be Finn reborn? I really do wonder. (If this upsets anyone, let me know and I'll remove it)

[@susanschmid2271]

[@louisecotulla4296]

Aren't the females usually bigger than tne males? Is Thunder small? Or are Cloud and Storm unusually large? Will they eventually catch up?😮😮😮they seem to be unusually close to each other.

[@AspiLav]

Honestly, baby owls look very weird. They seem like walking, feathered raw chickens. But their behaviour is adorable.

[@clairehargreaves9744]

😂😂 yeah like those rubber raw chickens dog toys lol

[@Pengalen]

Y'all are literally like alien abductors, taking them out of their nest and then putting them back in. When their parents come back, they're all "We were abducted by aliens!" and Dryer's like "that happened to me once."

[@shelvikartaatmaja3307]

The rings seem a bit small. It’s okay when they little. But when they grow, the ring would be a bit tight on them.

[@jacobcox4565]

The rings aren't too tight. They just look that way because of the feathers on the leg.

[@shelvikartaatmaja3307]

@@jacobcox4565 I saw some of the rings on the adult owls. They seems a bit tight on them.

[@jacobcox4565]

@@shelvikartaatmaja3307 Again, it's the feathers. Even the adults have feathers on their legs.

[@strictlybeyond3654]

Every species of bird has a designated ring size. Ringers will ring chicks around the 3 to 7 weeks old where their legs won't grow anymore. The ring won't be too tight to avoid hurting the bird but can't be too loose to avoid anything catching in the ring :)

[@geddonjr]

Those 3 chicks would have told their parents that they got abducted by featherless aliens who stuffed them in a soft tree cave and gave them something heavy in their legs.