Barn Owl Lessons in Love | Gylfie & Dryer | Robert E Fuller

This film covers barn owls Gylfie and Dryer's first year together. Find out how they met and how Gylfie had to teach Dryer the rules of courtship.
Date filmed: Jan-May 2023
Watch Gylfie & Dryer interact live on my nest cam: • Live From Fotherdale |... and follow their story in this playlist: • Barn Owls 🦉 Gylfie & D...
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ABOUT THIS FILM
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Barn owl pair
Gylfie is a highly experienced female barn owl, having raised six broods. Her previous partner, Finn sadly passed away in July 2022, but within weeks she finds a new male
Dryer
After examining the ID tag on his leg, we learn that Gylfie's new partner grew up here at Fotherdale. Rescued from a corn dryer, I cared for him alongside Gylfie’s previous partner, Finn
Barn owl courtship
By January the pair are deep into their relationship, preening and exploring nest sites together. But when a pair of tawny owls interrupt the love in, it's Gylfie who fights them off.
Role reversal
And the role reversal doesn't end there. When Dryer seems uninterested in mating, she takes over by mounting dryer.
Male barn owl not hunting
In order to impress during courtship, male barn owls deliver prey to females. But it seems Dryer hasn’t got the memo! And here Gylfie takes charge yet again.
Egg laying
But, at least the mating attempts seem to have gone to plan... Over the next few days, Gylfie looks like she is preparing to lay. I see her nest scraping, become restless, and then sit.
Barn owl eggs
Finally, at the end of May, she stands up and reveals her first precious egg. Watch Dryers reaction when he finally realises!
Incubation
Gylfie quickly sits back down. Barn owls start incubating eggs from the very first one laid and this one needs to stay warm for the next 30 days.
Next time
It’s been fantastic to see Gylfie find a new mate in Dryer and for them to welcome their first egg together. Follow this playlist to see Gylfie add to her precious clutch and Dryer finally step to the new role as provider
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
#robertefuller #barnowl #gylfieanddryer
CHAPTERS
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00:00 Introduction
01:41 Owl courtship
02:15 Search for nest
02:54 Territorial tawny owls
04:45 Role reversal
05:48 Mating attempts
07:34 Reluctant Dryer
08:50 Gylfie nest scraping
09:32 First egg laid
10:34 Conclusion
11:25 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]

[@mirandamartin4001]

At least Gylfie is patient with her mates. Athena yells at Apollo, and Luna doesn’t let bomber in the nest even when they have chicks

[@RobertEFuller]

She is the patient one

[@johnmatthewordinario9245]

Fr😂

[@wildguy4773]

Wifes today 😏😏

[@BoldLion]

@@RobertEFuller I hope to marry a lady who is as patient and wild like Gylfie!

[@lilithrogers5204]

Loving these barn owls❤ Thank you 😂

[@senpaiduck7177]

pretty entertaining seeing clueless dyer pairing with a experienced but patience gylfie

[@RobertEFuller]

I know so true

[@mirandamartin4001]

Gylfie I think has a thing for goofballs

[@Joshingsoybeans]

She definitely does

[@sallymae59]

Wonderful but it still breaks my heart about Finn 😢❤

[@RobertEFuller]

I know he was so special 🥰

[@rainyrainygoaway]

Exactly. He is such a lovely darling, loving his mate & chicks.

[@SueMeriah]

Dryer took off with her food 😆😆😆 She was like "Chronicles of Fotherdale: The scowl, the growl and the *audacity of this owl"*

[@lvt2050]

Gylfie is making an owl out of Dryer! remarkable!

[@OuchingTigerLimpingDragon]

Only halfway through, and it's clear who wears the owl pants in this relationship. I'm glad Dryer has a strong, experienced female to help him learn. Bodes well for his future!

[@tabithadente7139]

Dryer needs to stop weaponizing his incompetence lol

[@RobertEFuller]

Made me laugh

[@cattailer1077]

Gylfie made my heart grow 10 times! What an amazing beautiful precious bird! Her tenacity is incredibly inspiring!🕊.

[@janetfitzgerald5794]

At the 7.22 mark when Dryer makes off with Gylfies catch, it's just so so obvious what's going through her mind as she looks around in disbelief.."seriously, did he just do THAT!"😅

[@texasmamabear9651]

When Dryer took off with her catch, Gylfie Did a double-take look at him as if to say, “**gasp**…you did NOT just do that!!” LOL!!🤣🤣 I LOVED this!!💜💜💜 Thank You SO Much for this!❣️❣️❣️ I ADORE this channel and what you share with us!❣️❣️

[@jmg7358]

If I had to add a caption, it would be her saying..."oh no, did I choose a scrub?" ...😂

[@drdewott9154]

I do think Dryers social ineptitude and Gylfies need to teach him everything, even including mating, is a little endearing not gonna lie.

[@xfnafeditsx]

I love gylfie, she’s such a special owl and so patient too

[@user-KG71]

Your films are always amazing ❤ Gylfie is one tough Mama- I Love it! It’s cute how she has endless patience in teaching the Males😂 1st Fynn, and now Dryer

[@sapphirejade5029]

It's so sweet seeing Gylfie and Dryer do so well together. They're so adorable as a couple. Can't believe that Gylfie has been doing well with the broods. I hope she remains strong and healthy.

[@Hannah777-zx2yh]

Cool

[@shilohndrah]

Love how you give such intimate details of Gylfie and Dryer's courtship, Robert! As I'm watching, I'm wondering, how can they make it to parenthood when Dryer acts so clueless? Then Gylfie takes matters into her own talons, and lays her 1st egg! What a triumph for barn owl supermom Gylfie❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@naraferalina2308]

Same here. It was amazing to see her trying to teach and communicate with him.

[@TheKatarinaGiselle]

That's why I adore his channel! He really brings the barn owls love stories to life! I like all the birds he shares, but I started with the barn owls and to see a full love story from strrt to end with the raising of the owlets in between is truly a beautiful thing! ❤

[@solidpat221]

Seeing dryer grow up was sure was something over the summer. Lots of nights watching where we were all like man Dryer is just totally lost 😂 but he ended up being a great dad.

[@RobertEFuller]

So true

[@AE-se9bl]

Wonderful video about our beautiful Gylfie ! And to see sweet Finn in the beginning too ! Gylfie sure is Queen of Fotherdale for sure, amazing Owl Lady she is ! Thanks for this video, looking forward to more! 🥰🤗❤❤❤❤

[@naraferalina2308]

Gylfie is an amazing owl. Patient and communicable.

[@MsLeenite]

Barn Owls are so beautiful, and Gylfie is a brave and resourceful individual. Thank you for sharing this happy story.

[@NeidalRuekk]

A pity Finn has gone, but now his 'brother' is on the scene

[@yoptastic8463]

Wonderful video as always Robert, although it was sad to learn about Finn passing away, I'm glad that Gylfie has a new partner in Dryer and that their expecting, warms me up on a cold day! Happy Solstice Robert to you and yours, looking forward to what's coming up on your channel in 2024! 😀👍❤🦉🦉🦉🎄☃❄🎁🎉

[@RobertEFuller]

Thank you 😊

[@Moka_kit_real]

I can imagine Finn's ghost laughing his tail feathers off

[@pennylehrer1306]

What a fascinating video! LOVED the home hunting.....I'm a Realtor!!😅😅😅

[@LadyTarasque]

for anyone wondering about Luna's right eye.. it's just an issue she has where it gets stuck closed once in a while (usually doesn't stick fully closed like that). She's fine ^^ 5:24 anyone wondering about that weird sounds, it's the call of a pheasant. She def didn't surrender that DOC xD there was another time when she was trying to keep it away but accidentally turned head around to face him, giving him perfect opportunity to snatch it from her ^^; Anywho.. Gylfie has taken his snacks once in a while too lol (usually from where he tried to hide it. Not sure if she's been successful in grabbing it straight out of his beak)

[@tronbunny]

I absolutely love the narration of their story. Dryer is learning and their first brood thrived. We so look forward to seeing how well he has learned. Blessed Solstice to all of the Fortherdale families and friends.

[@CratosLine]

I've been watching you since the first Robert channel came out, your content is great🌿🌿

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks

[@cdelane3335]

He literally was scratching his head. Love this, it's so fascinating. Dryer just a needed to learn seems like she taught him.

[@TheKatarinaGiselle]

Gylfie is quite the amazing owl! Tenacious and a wonderful, patient teacher! She certainly is special! ❤

[@anna-rosephipps3132]

This video deserves to win an Oscar or the wildlife film equivalent. All the production elements are top notch: the music, wide landscape shots, above all the storytelling

[@MusicalVanflare]

Aw Gylfie. Great that she's been around for so long, but I do wonder how long she'll be with us. Isn't 5+ years old for a wild owl?

[@mirandamartin4001]

They can live much longer, but threats in the wild mean most on average live 3-7 years old. So yeah in some ways it’s kinda old

[@NeidalRuekk]

A wild Barn Owl will probably average about this, but she's had some degrees of help, so another year or two seems likely. When Finn died, extra food was provided to the owl young, so she likely cashed in on that too.

[@zachanikwano]

Dryer, certified himbo lol

[@careypierce8131]

Gylfie is simply amazing in my eye. In every way.

[@myfekkinoirish]

Glyfie deserves so much better 😅

[@suzannecarter445]

I loved your detailed Barn Owl stories - Dryer was a bit slow on the up-take, so fascinating!

[@LKBRICKS1993]

Excellent. I love watching the barn owls.

[@Penelope-vi1vh]

Gylfie really is one of a kind

[@birdlover8992]

I love this channel....thank you❤

[@sherreeroper7656]

You sir, are a lucky man to be able to film and paint all these wonderful animals.. sharing them w us s priceless.😮

[@anitavincent7447]

Heartwarming love story with a very tenacious Gylfie who knows what she wants. Great music accompaniment. Thank you. 🥰🙏🏻

[@davebowman9000]

Cant wait for more!!

[@RobertEFuller]

Plenty more to come!

[@williamstearns7490]

Just found you and, as a former Spotted Owl biologist, I could watch this for hours. I miss my owls but I’m looking forward to getting to know your better.😊

[@telemachus53]

What a beautiful vid. Enough to take your mind off the terrible things happening around us.

[@janetfitzgerald5794]

what drama! You could make a whole series of owl "soaps" lol😂

[@minal-xf6dg]

Glyfie's become a popular BO now. It is so good to see her. Nice video as always.

[@anna-rosephipps3132]

This video is brilliant! Better than a Netflix boxset. Love how you end on a cliffhanger, giving us a taste of the next episode of the unfolding saga. Gylfie is such a strong, gorgeous owl babe

[@stephenwinter8892]

Greetings from Canada 🇨🇦 thanks for the presentation on my two favorite owls

[@vaibhavdeokar9024]

Best documentary ❤❤

[@RobertEFuller]

Thank you

[@irimac1806]

My Granny passed away last week, thank you so much for this pick-me-up even if you didn't know ^^

[@RobertEFuller]

Sorry to hear that glad it helped

[@lyngruen8607]

What a most beautiful LOVE STORY 🦉🦉💖

[@tonyandjanetparker3204]

I'm amazed how inteligent these owls are. It's the first time for me to watch these videos. If more people could watch these, they could learn from them.

[@thepaperpuppeter]

Wow 😮 I never see gylfie show dryer what to do gylfie really is one great 😌 barn owl mum

[@renatefeller5208]

Sehr schöne geschichte,danke💖

[@janetfitzgerald5794]

Robert, it continually makes me think about my childhood and just how thrilled I'd have been to see the goings on INSIDE! a nest

[@DrEdelEducationPsychology]

The bonding is beautiful and such proof that animals have profound lives as well. All birds and animals should be free like this. Humans have no need nor right to meddle in their lives whether for food, fashion or entertainment. Please let them be free and let's live in harmony. ❤

[@evelynjoycebv]

Gilfie is a one kind of a female! I love watching her.❤

[@Krazythedj]

Thank you for the amazing footage - your work have made me becoming more and more interested in owls. Even if I had the around me ever since a child ❤ All the best.J.T.

[@susanasalinas4273]

We should all take notes. Thanks for the invite, love your videos.

[@froggy3376]

i love owl's so much omg

[@mariethiers6915]

Amazing, brilliant video! ❄☃️ You are really an expert! 💯🎁 🎅❄🎄A joyful Merry Christmas to you & your loved ones!🎄❄🎅

[@RobertEFuller]

Same to you 🎄🎁

[@maheshan3595]

Feast to Eyes Mr. Robert. Merry Christmas ❤❤❤ from India

[@user-jw2bg4dk1l]

I love owls I have just found your post it's absolutely amazing 👏 😍 I am now making sure to watch more

[@merrylmarsh9037]

Precious❤

[@Visvogl]

7:27 she's like: "what just happened?! ....Did I pick myself a bum?"

[@kenhughes4715]

Glad that Dryer adapted to adulthood. Thank you.

[@GiovannaLaFoglia]

Love this video ❤. Dryer’s second mating attempt was hilarious as he started screaming afterwards 😂. Couldn’t tell if it was out of frustration or because he thought he was successful. Was Dryer ever aware of Finn and Gylfie’s chicks when he and Gylfie first started courting?

[@kerrykestrowl6785]

Love story gylfie girl❤❤

[@Hannah777-zx2yh]

Beautiful story

[@chrisbgifford7387]

What beautiful bird

[@lindacreed2445]

I just came across your website and I absolutely love this site ❤

[@farquadshmoogle9120]

It's bewildering to me, when you say Tawny Owls are the bully owls, yet Luna just keeps her ass down when getting trapped in by Jackdaws??? Multiple times.

[@tonioplease]

i laughed hard when Dryer was trying to mate and fails then starts screaming lmao.

[@theck672]

Thanks for the great video! So wonderful to see and understand everything going on with these sweet, beautiful owls! 🦉 🦉💗💗

[@wendytaylor3714]

Gillie is an amazing bird and dryer is great under her tutorials. What a privilege to watch. Thank yoh

[@baddnurse5443]

❤

[@kimberlyfranciscus1527]

❤❤ beautiful video..ty so sweet..love the happy stories

[@fdyjt]

love it.Robert when is the next epizode coming? i already want to see it xD

[@RobertEFuller]

Should be end of January

[@Katcampton]

So sweet to see this video. Thank you for sharing great video of Gylvie doing what she does.

[@corvuscorone7735]

Dryer s a bit of a let-down after lovely Finn, to be quite honest ;) I miss Finn! He was the best, most gentle soul.

[@tinabeene9509]

Awesome 👍

[@Ironbattlemace]

I have one question about the nests. Do they have extra lighting because they are visibly little bit brighter in the night footage.

[@ingridruiz-meijer6089]

Thanks for posting this beauty ❤

[@user-po2ee6rj6z]

Hello ❤ thank you for the live ❤

[@dianewest3589]

Thank you so much Mr. Fuller. Loved your work if owls.

[@TheresaPetermann]

love how you tell the story. makes it so much fun to watch. thanks as always for sharing,

[@theck672]

Beautiful and touching! Thanks for this lovely video! Really tells their story! 🦉🦉🦉🦉❤ ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@susanschmid2271]

Super.

[@buttercup9903]

This is what happens when you pick the very good-looking-useless guy 🤣

[@laughingaardvark3128]

I love barn owls. They are so beautiful.

[@SharkyGull]

4:48 So that’s how they learn how to do it? That’s crazy. Never thought that. 😅

[@JoseRodriguez-kg8ck]

Just Awesome ❤

[@Chorok-TV]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@slim22rb]

Gylfie❤

[@gargoyle7863]

aahww 😍 Gylfie

[@anna-rosephipps3132]

Thanks

[@johnhickson]

Love it ❤

[@user-oh4gp6xp9t]

Look forward to seeing how this progresses - will Dryer get his act together???

[@CasualFanGirl-ff3fh]

Gylfie is the breadwinner wife

[@RobertEFuller]

She is amazing 🤩

[@BIGDAVE5352]

Those two Barnes are so cute to watch.

[@miss_lorena2801]

Dreyer😂😂😂 One in a million