Barn Owl vs Kestrel vs Little Owls: A Fight for a New Nest Box | Discover Wildlife | Robert E Fuller

When I put a up new nest box at Ash Wood, I hoped a kestrel pair would use it. Little did I know that barn owls and little owls also wanted this prime location - and that the little owl would be the fiercest fighter!
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ABOUT THIS FILM
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Nest boxes
Nest boxes are in high demand here at Fotherdale and I’ve been working around the clock to build different designs to suit each bird of prey. For this box, I chose a hollow log and placed it high in a majestic beech tree in the hope a young kestrel would move in.
Kestrel
As planned the young male kestrel was the first to investigate the box and took an immediate liking to it. I watched as he returned day after day, He even scraped out a hollow dent in the bottom of the box to nest in. But there’s one thing this young male was missing: a mate. Despite his desperate calls, no female appeared.
Little owl
The kestrel wasn’t the only one interested in the nest. A little owl also wanted to take a look! And when the kestrel landed at the entrance hole to declare ownership, the little owl lashed out with its talons. Who knew this diminutive species could be so feisty?
Little owl courtship
My cameras followed the little owl inside as it explored the nest. It quickly made itself at home, even bringing in a yellowhammer snack! The next day the little owl too made a nest scrape and even showed off the new site to its mate. I’ve been watching little owls for years, but I’ve never seen this intimate courtship.
Little owl vs kestrel
The kestrel now has some competition and when it returns one evening, the little owl makes short shrift of the kestrel, dragging it from the nest box in one swift move. Little owls are smaller than kestrels, but they really pack a punch!
Barn owl
Despite winning the box, the little owl was unable to persuade its mate to move in and over the next few days, the box stayed empty - until a female barn owl turned up. This female was wearing an ID ring, and, after some investigation, it turned out I knew her. She was one of four rescued chicks I fostered with wild owls in 2017. It was so exciting to see that she had survived. For a few days, it looks as though she was now the new owner of my box.
Kestrel returns
But then the male kestrel came back with a mate and was keen to reclaim the box. But when he discovered there was now a barn owl inside, he beat a hasty retreat.
Barn owl vs little owl
The barn owl spent the next ten days here and just as I was beginning to think she had won the battle of the boxes, she was dragged out of the nest! The attack was over in a flash and it was only when I reviewed the footage that I realised it’s was the little owl again!
Fierce little owl
Who would have thought a little owl could take on a barn owl? This species is half the size of a barn owl, but it is clearly fiercely territorial -even though this owl isn't using this box, he's not prepared to let anyone one else have it.
Battle of the boxes
The battles over this nest box have been absolutely amazing. It’s given me an insight into how competitive this time of year is and just shows how much demand there is for these new nest sites. I'm working on making a new box to see if I can ease the fighting!
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
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Instagram: / robertefuller
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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 #littleowl #owl #kestrel #barnowl #discoverwildlife

[@RobertEFuller]

I hope you've enjoyed the video! Watch more barn owl films: bit.ly/44WcEow Read my blog: www.robertefuller.com/diary/ Shop my barn owl 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

[@redangrybird7564]

Is the farm land around your house yours? If so, do yo grow wheat or barley? Just curious. Thanks.

[@zelithfang2365]

1:18 Him: this kestrel takes an immediate liking to the nest box kestrel: *bobs his head* yes yes

[@leileiX]

THAT WAS SO CUTE

[@drip69420]

1:21

[@meatballsyrup2747]

I feel like if it had fingers it would have also done a thumbs up

[@TankieBoi]

He looked right at the camera

[@michaelp1923]

Lmao I saw that too

[@cookedghost]

Love how the little owl's strategy is basically dragging away the competition like a creature from a horror movie

[@sherrig2338]

I know me too...."get out of my house Ima SNATCH your leg!!!"

[@ornithologydude8649]

It's like Rambo

[@fish8887]

I like how he was the smallest but still beat everyone’s tail

[@ErMiks-hv8xi]

@@sherrig2338 a

[@kmangan37]

Sadly wasn’t his or the barn owls first

[@s.gabriel2853]

I feel kinda bad for the kestrel. He was there first, but he just didn't have a mate yet. And then when he came back with a mate, the nest box was occupied. I hope he and his girl found someplace else to nest.

[@harrysedin5632]

Same tho

[@AnnaMarianne]

I saw him on the livestream checking out another, unoccupied nest box. He called out but as the female didn't turn up, he too flew away. So he seems to be looking out for new nest sites. At least I thought it's the same male kestrel.

[@AnnaMarianne]

Update: the kestrel and his gf have been seen multiple times in the other nest, courting and just roosting, and seem to have taken a liking to it. Hopefully they'll nest

[@zelithfang2365]

The second they get a place he's gonna be sleeping on whatever their equivalent to a couch is first night.

[@azmatbilali5979]

@@AnnaMarianne may be she don’t trust him anymore 😭

[@johnbryan3846]

Lol bird's daily life is more interesting than any of the Kardashians.

[@Katie2986]

You ain’t lyin!

[@user-fy7hx9gd6u]

lmao

[@Morgan34691]

So true

[@dr.mantistoboggan668]

🤣

[@Kiystern]

True tho

[@ds7675]

I love the male kestrel nodding yes at the camera when he first goes into the nest box. He’s saying, “Yes, I approve.” Thanks for the video, it’s very interesting.

[@CommonSkill]

1:20

[@sayusayme7729]

The little nod

[@dkoo6866]

I did notice that

[@fish8887]

I was gonna comment that lol

[@KickSoFire]

Ikr its cool

[@AnnaMarianne]

2:55 The first Little Owl is scraping a nest and looking up to the second Little Owl, it's like he's "See, it's really nice!" And the other one is all "Ehhhh, I don't really know...."

[@FIGNAS83]

This is the equivalent of your house having no doors and when you get back home from dinner some other person is trying to live in your house 😂

[@mythical5311]

I was just thinking about that and then I see your comment. It's like you read my mind...

[@goblinqueen3886]

Other birds: *exist" That one little owl: "and I took that personally"

[@bigboygames6817]

Ugh

[@imHudora]

"This kestrel takes an immidiate liking to the nest box" Kestrel (1:22) : *nods*

[@imHudora]

(i didn't see the top comment while writing this sorry :') )

[@zaph2580]

Kestrel: I call dibs! Little owl: No, it says for couples only. Barn owl: you dwarves are unworthy of this nest. Little owl: try me!

[@soonamisapphire2425]

Hahah yasss

[@christophermichaelclarence6003]

Eagle : Mind I join the fight ! Other birds : Let's get out of here !

[@ricardoronco9632]

@@christophermichaelclarence6003 Ironically, Owls kill eagles, mostly during the night, obviously, but it means that the eagle would still have to face some resistance

[@burningsinner1132]

@@ricardoronco9632 Top of the food chain predators battling it out is truly brutal thing. One day you find a crippled, dying owl, the other day you step on torn off head of somebody picking a fight with an owl.

[@EnclaviousFiraga]

​@@christophermichaelclarence6003 Ostrich: Ok

[@tunedskillsz]

1:19 I actually laughed out loud when you said "it took immediate liking to this next box" and the bird nodded its head lol

[@kithraholmes6088]

Okay but when the Kestrel first hopped into the nest box you can see him nod like “yeah this is perfect”

[@carlossime6572]

the owl to the kestrel at minute 2:07 "THIS IS SPARTAAAAAAAAAAH"

[@popporo9314]

😂😂😂

[@victoriahouse9969]

Have to build more nests Robert. You need new homes for everyone

[@RobertEFuller]

I know.. lots of work to do!

[@iforgotthenamemate]

@@RobertEFuller you should get extra help!

[@victoriahouse9969]

@@iforgotthenamemate He has a couple of lads helping him run his business. As well as other family members.

[@zelithfang2365]

Gonna have a apartment complex on a tree

[@eierinjhoi]

@@zelithfang2365 i don't think that would work as some birds are very territorial

[@RADISH_APPROVED]

1:20 I love how he saw the surroundings and immediately nodded "yes this is perfect for my future generation"

[@spilopeliasenegalensis5031]

Never judge anyone by its size - Little Owl 🦉 Thanks for this interesting video :)

[@nanad2078]

2:08 that little owl really yeet that male kestrel😂 Oh poor male kestrel😭

[@mrs.stefonmeyers7156]

Damn! Their real estate agent must have mixed up the schedules for the viewings and they keep arriving at the same time of the day.

[@chinadashauthority65]

It’s a social experiment

[@abesapien9930]

Wow, nature is greedy and discontent just like us. That was an eye opener to see how much those different birds fought over that luxurious nest, even when they had other nests available.

[@SilentOwl0]

1:20 I love how he Nods, Like *Yup This is It*

[@tiffany_adventures_2659]

This was better than watching the UFC fighting or boxing match! 😅💕

[@Taiphyr]

Kestrel: *”Imma Go Back Home.”* Little Owl: Kestrel: *Finally Gets Back Home* Little Owl: *Snatch* Kestrel: “AGH NO MY LEG-“

[@pokiedokie24]

So this is basically a reality show but with birds

[@sova1235]

1:21 i love his nod,he looks like hes saying „Yes,i like it!"

[@aaronstange1673]

little owl is just G-checking everyone

[@lesleyb26]

Always wonderful to see your hard work pay off, the new owl must be about 4 and thrived because you and your team made sure she had a chance. Heartwarming stuff even the feisty little owls :D

[@TheeHAILSTORMBREAD]

1:19 This kestrel takes an immediate liking to the nest box. Also kestrel: *nods in agreement

[@lifepolicy]

Little owl went Mad Max.

[@kungfumasterdave]

@2:50 the little owl be like: "look how comfy it is!"

[@nicolasruiz3202]

The little head nod of kestrel was adorable he was like mmm yes this is a nice home

[@DanFernandesBenficaSaint]

Turns out I know this bird - best line I’ve heard all day 😂

[@JuniorGarcia-cz9ox]

*All the birds are having an all out battle for the nest* This dude: “Ahh yes it was a fascinating sight to see”

[@__chevytrucks__]

“This video footage is amazing!” The birds: “WORLD WAR BIRD!! TAKE THE OBJECTIVE!!”

[@darkheartrjdyosn6345]

That little owl is the most adorable assassin I've ever seen.

[@londoncalling7895]

Amazing piece of filming @REF and team. We are so lucky to see this.

[@50bottlesofpinklemonade]

5:06 Little owl: alright, looks like the coast is clear! Time to get my nest! Barn owl: 👁️👄👁️ Little owl: uh wrong address

[@maisoui62]

What a story. Full of surprise and drama. Thank you for making the nest boxes. It’d fascinating to see how this plays out .

[@ApostatePajamas]

So funny that the birds look at the cameras before anything else. Best bird channel on KZbin right now! You should have more subscribers.

[@RobertEFuller]

You are so kind

[@PretenderCS]

"Barn Owl vs Kestrel vs Little Owls" Anyone knows when this battle simulator will be available on steam?

[@patricialong5767]

These birds are lifesavers. They eat all kinds of vermin, are lovely to look at and to watch, are very curious and intelligent! You can learn a whole lot just observing them and their nature! Nature is a wonderful teacher!!!

[@15nutmeg]

Suddenly daytime television makes sense to me while watching all of this unfold

[@shoes123uk8]

The little owls are very cute and quite feisty! 😆💕

[@Saritabanana]

Never stop narrating wildlife videos. Even if you must stop making them..keep on narrating. Your voice is so kind and relaxing. thank you

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you like them!

[@karensixx7]

4:29 the way she stares at the cámara like “what the fck is this?” is sooooo funny 😂

[@gl350cdi]

1:21 i like how bird shake his head on camera like "Yo, what's good"

[@eddiecaisley5746]

Great footage and great to see so much interest in the nest box. The cameras enable us to see things we would never normally see. Thanks for all the effort you put in to allow us to see these great moments.

[@andreasnordin9023]

Robert for KING! ROBERT SHOULD HAVE A SIR ADDED TO HIS NAME. PERIOD!

[@lesleyb26]

I agree :-)

[@terratitanic2490]

Great video Robert. The Little owl is absolutely gorgeous...

[@wondersofnature271]

Thank you for letting us all see about the life of these birds and their competition for nesting. They are fascinating to watch

[@amberdy12]

Epic -good choice of description. Can't wait to see follow ups

[@sayusayme7729]

I’m glued... absolutely fascinating. Have been birding for years but this is the whole 9 yards ✨💫🇨🇦

[@blueowlwill8754]

Small, mighty and fierce! Thanks for the video Robert

[@samuelgoodman2825]

The super nest of 8 has always been one of my favorite episodes satisfying to see one of the brood all grown up and carrying on.Thank you Robert much love from across the pond.

[@kristieclark1925]

REF thank you so much for putting this story together for us. We see so much happening live. But when you put it all together with views we haven't seen ... it's just magnificent! Now watching to see what happens next.🙂 (OH yeah... when the doves stopped by while owl was inside)😲💗

[@bepi7111]

“The kestrel takes an immediate liking to the nest.” The kestrel: *Bobbing it’s head up and down like it’s nodding*

[@SuperCattywoman]

Just fabulous.. really enjoyed that...the nest that you build are amazing...

[@RobertEFuller]

Thank you very much!

[@tbom9644]

Just love this vision of the struggles birds have for homes…….we really need to help these creatures not just that it’s finding homes but just shear pleasure they bring to ours and life in general. Thanks Rob great work.👍🏾

[@bambisco7056]

So cool seeing the different dynamics and conflicts over the nest box. It's like different characters bidding for the place through fighting

[@izzyizanalien5013]

I would marry this man so caring ,so calm ,so informative, voice like butter, and veryyy handsome! 😃🙌

[@karenbearden6198]

Positively brilliant! I must admit, I've never been one for reality shows but this one has me hooked!

[@somerandombacon9749]

I can't help but think of the Owls of Ga'hoole when I see them.

[@twoeyedtom]

Little owl: NO NEST BOX FOR YOU

[@sallyaltick]

Gorgeous footage! What a privilege to get to see these moments! Thanks again so much, Robert and Crew! Priceless and such a joy, every time you post! 🕊️🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🦉

[@eotwkdp]

1:21 Shakes head in happiness and approval

[@rayanehaddad8406]

1:22 love how the kestrel shakes his head and be like : heck yeah !

[@SnarkyRogue]

LOL I love the kestrel's head bob at "he takes an interest" as if to say 'yeah this'll do'

[@mayaartsy9919]

I love little owls lot (and owls in general), but it was funny when he just kicked the kernel out

[@Stefanie19287]

Always amazing videos 💖 Thank you 💖

[@RobertEFuller]

You are so welcome!

[@rosenia5409]

Even though it was most likely the barn owl would win, I was rooting for Apollo (?) more. I love his determination. He’d make a great dad!

[@yourmorningcupofcoffee830]

Your channel and insight into these animals lives never ceases to amaze me just so fascinating

[@StafferryWildlifeGallery]

Thanks Robert for your hard work on making the nest for these birds and the video

[@marshallstoneworld]

This is awesome. Thank you for making more nest, so the other birds can use it.

[@mr.chibiterasu2956]

1:18 “Hmm, yes this nest is made of good nest.”

[@BlazeWes3000]

2:46 When the wife comes home and you have to act like you were just cleaning the house

[@Dodgerblue-md3wv]

I love how the first bird comes in and nods lol

[@mkirkman89]

This was really cool to watch. Never seen how birds can be so competitive just to claim a nest.

[@CaesarCapone]

Mr. Fuller... Amazing production! Keep it up and thank you so much! Absolutely beautiful!!!

[@sarahhunter8597]

Robert is living the dream life and it's not because of materialistic things but because of the simple beauty of nature 💕

[@Kenz-the-oakes]

I love that you call them little owls that just makes them so much cuter.

[@stevewindermere7334]

That's what they are called Little Owl - Athena noctua

[@Kenz-the-oakes]

@@stevewindermere7334 oh I didnt know that I am not very educated in the feild of orthenology but I think its amazing you know the scientific name thanks for the correction.

[@jennyc1164]

What fabulous footage! Thanks Robert for the stunning photography and wonderful insights into the lives and dramas of these wild birds. You bring us intimate scenes we’d never even dream of 🙏😊💙

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@erikasurbonas1662]

It's very very nice to view your personal efforts in amazing birds life :)

[@NathanHarrison7]

Awesome footage. Thank you for the time you put into this project and for capturing AND presenting it so professionally. Subscribed.

[@kinbolluck476]

ITS GUS THAT WE INVENTED DOORS

[@myrelia3915]

1:20 "Yes, yes, this will suit my needs just fine"

[@splitdragon3004]

3:00 he looks so proud

[@Big_Chico]

Lmao the kestrel finally gets a mate and then comes back to his house to see another owl there😂😂 the female kestrel was prob like oh so you’re with her 🙄

[@GeorgieStory]

Pretty sure the female kestrel didn't react that way, most different species of owls won't mate so it's a pretty high chance the female kestrel didn't react that way.

[@eggrollsoup]

@@GeorgieStory it was a joke ugh

[@capokey]

@@GeorgieStory 🙄

[@rosegolddonut8325]

@@GeorgieStory yeah exactly nice job catching on🙌🏼

[@GeorgieStory]

@@eggrollsoup well yeah i know its a joke but just saying

[@johnnyc3184]

Thank you Robert. We love you and videos!

[@rhart367]

Great work on everything Robert. Amazing footage. 🦉🦉🦅

[@Grimno]

"And this is how it all started" *Cuts to a man, bound and gagged next to a warehouse at the docks* *Another man approaches, loading rounds into their gun*

[@freespirit6209]

Absolutely fabulous to see. Thank you!

[@russellwilliams4317]

I was watching channels relating to my love for motorcycles and I somehow made my way here. I am hooked.

[@KT-83]

Just beautiful! ❤️

[@vodolejvodolej3151]

Получается, даже такая маленькая сова как воробьиный сычик, агрессивнее сокола- пустельги.Гармоничнее в этом доме смотрится сипуха, она уже прикинула,сколько деток поместится) Вам надо воробьиному сычику и пустельге построить по отдельному жилью, чтобы им не обидно было. Спасибо за интересный фильм 👍

[@cheezus1718]

i love going onto these videos at like 11 pm because its super relaxing

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you like them!

[@WHITELIONNYC]

Amazing video and great narration as always. Those little owls 🦉 are fierce!

[@baileyoutdoors5702]

Really great footage and fascinating interactions you caught here. I'm curious about the species of the "Little Owl." It isn't a resident here in North America, but it looks a lot like our Burrowing Owl, which is also a feisty little character, but is also notable as a ground nesting bird.

[@sherrig2338]

Our closest US version is the Saw Whet owl.

[@rustyshack1707]

This deserves so many more views!!! Great channel

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you think so!

[@ahmxtsxnjuu2373]

Look at him nodding his head 🥺01:22

[@joannal.p.8843]

This is wonderful!!! Amazing footage and amazing documenting ! Excellent work ! Thank you for this gift !

[@etuc_fuzwy3055]

Wow ur good at building some nests for The owls kestrels and even the little owls😀😀😃