Barn Owl Dad Learns on the Job | Gylfie & Dryer | Robert E Fuller

Barn owl Dryer is now a dad. Watch him learn the ropes, under the watchful eye of his experienced owl partner Gylfie, and see how the pair overcome a tragic loss together.
Date filmed: June-Aug 2023
Watch barn owls Gyflie & 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 owls Gylfie and Dryer,
This is this pair's first breeding season together, and the younger owl Dryer's first courtship.
Dryer is impatient
But they’ve overcome these challenges and on the 31st May Gylfie laid her first egg and 4 days later
Dryer seems to think there should be another. Watch him look under her expectantly.
Barn owl eggs
But he doesn't have too long to wait because 7 hours later, Gylfie reveals a second egg
and 3 days later a 3rd, then 4 days later on June 11th there is a 4th egg.
New owl dad
Dryer seems fascinated, but when he tries to inspect the clutch a protective Gylfie sees him off
Incubation
For the next 32 days, Gylfie takes on the role of sole incubator, whilst Dryer provides food for her and he is very efficient, delivering rats, mice, and voles regularly. Sometimes there is more than Gylfie can consume!
Barn owl diet
An incubating barn owl needs about 4 prey items each night, 10% of their body weight.
New dad Dryer panics
When Dryer arrives and finds the eggs unattended he panics. Standing over them and calling for Gylfie, but she has only popped out to stretch her wings.
1st chick hatches
31 days after the first egg was laid the first chick emerges. It is amazing to see how gentle Gylfie is as she helps it out of its shell.
Barn owl chicks
The chicks hatch bald and blind. They don't open their eyes until they are 1 and 2 weeks old
Squirrel threat
When a squirrel comes to close to the nest, the owls panic and in the rush to get out they knock the chick across the nest. I climb up to put it back as it won't be safe where it is.
Dryer meets chicks
Later the new owl dad sees his chick for the very first time and seems transfixed
2 more barn owl chicks
Two days a 2nd chick emerges and then a 3rd. Dryer does a tremendous job providing and is keen to show off his hoard!
4th chick
It is another 5 days before the 4th chick hatches and it looks weak. Intervention isn’t possible now, it could mean Gylfie and Dryer abandon the brood and puts all 4 chicks at risk and so sadly this chick dies. But then Gylfie feeds it to the remaining three
This isn’t rare in birds of prey… they will eat their dead chicks before they start decomposing to avoid attracting scavengers to the nest.
New dad fail
Dryer has a lot to learn. He tries to deliver prey whole, but the chicks can’t are too young to tear it up and Gylfie steps in to help.
Chicks grow
But soon the chicks are swallowing their prey whole and can thermoregulate, which means they don’t need Gylfie to keep them warm
But Gylfie stays close, keeping guard and helping Dryer hunt and soon these chicks will be learning to fly. Subscribe to my channel for the next installment from this nest.
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!
You can also follow me on these platforms:
Website: www.robertefuller.com
Facebook: / robertefullerart
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Or sign up to my newsletter: mailchi.mp/robertefuller/news...
#robertefuller #barnowl #wildlives
CHAPTERS
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00:00-Introduction
01:25 - Dryer visits Gylfie
01:44 - Barn owl eggs
04:47 - Dryer panics
06:17 - First chick hatches
07:04 - Squirrel visits
11:02 - Fourth chick not doing well
13:15 - Storm eats prey whole
14:20 - Thermoregulating
14:43 - Recap
15:19 - 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]

[@RobertEFuller]

I hope you've enjoyed the video! To find out more see below:   More Gylfie & Dryer films here kzbin.info/aero/PLx09JDaWUEFPztNvVpVf7yCvfCRwFv0HU&si=mZwzf7TsiZPP6DMK Watch them 24/7 on my livestream: www.robertefuller.com/live-cameras-fotherdale/ Sign up to my newsletter for weekly updates mailchi.mp/robertefuller/newslettersignup Support my work with wildlife: www.robertefuller.com/support_and_donate/  Visit my website: www.robertefuller.com Follow me on: facebook.com/RobertEFullerArt/ | twitter.com/RobertEFuller | instagram.com/robertefuller/ | Robertefuller (@robertefuller) | TikTok

[@juliesong4123]

This video puts to rest the old wives tale that if you touch a baby bird the mother will reject it thank you Robert for intervening and for bringing us these amazing videos!

[@vivianefrancart5065]

It's beautiful, and I looked ferder at my TV screen. Then 2:08 it' magnificent to see❤🌹🌿

[@shelvikartaatmaja3307]

The rings seem a little bit too tight.

[@user-po2ee6rj6z]

Merci pour vos magnifiques vidéos....bonne soirée de belgique

[@colleenotis3120]

It is still a magnificent World !

[@suzannecarter445]

Dryer's panicked call to Gylfie was quite funny; he really did sound desperate.

[@mrviking2mcall212]

HE DISTRATED GYLFIE WITH THE PREY SO HE COULD LOOK AT HIS BABIES OMFG 🤩

[@eileenbass952]

Gylfie is so careful with her feet around her eggs. So gentle and beautiful. My favourite Bird. Thank you.

[@kerrykestrowl6785]

She is mine too love gylfie

[@ChrisTesch87]

RIP Finn 🙏 He will always be missed 😢. But Dryer has really stepped up and proven that he too can be a good provider. Warms my heart seeing these 2 in action ❤

[@AshXXMayftw]

I may still miss Finn, but I'm glad Dryer is proving he can provide more than enough for both his mate and chicks.

[@alliekat85]

Do u know why Finn is gone? Seems like the one who got away

[@AshXXMayftw]

@@alliekat85 Yeah. He drowned in a water container after going out to find food.

[@alliekat85]

@@AshXXMayftw ohhh, I was hoping they just changed mates so often :-(

[@electrowave114]

@@alliekat85 Barn owls mate for life, the only time they take on a different mate is if one of the pair dies.

[@Antidragon-nl7by]

I had my doubts that Dryer would be able to fill the void Fynn left behind, but I've never seen a Barn Owl father so devoted towards his eggs.

[@samsavojbolagi5513]

so much respect for these little beings to deal with so many adversity yet carry on producing next generation

[@agentcoxack7368]

Gylfie: Dryer: aaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAA*AAAAAAAAAAAAAA*

[@annahappen7036]

😂😂😂

[@jonminer9891]

I am getting to like Barn Owls a lot. Thanks for helping with my education.

[@BlackFlagHeathen]

I’m noticing a pattern of the owl dads distracting the moms so they can have a look at their babies… Lol so adorable.

[@robertfletcher3421]

I just love Robert's full documentaries with a great commentary.

[@Danika_Nadzan]

Agreed! And I love how he focuses on each animal's unique personality too.

[@juliepippin8710]

Barn Owls are just so beautiful. I love their little faces. Thank you for helping these amazing animals.

[@freshandzestyfood5033]

Wow that dive! Super Mom Gylfie and amazing Dryer. ❤ RIP liitle #4. 😢

[@mortalclown3812]

❤🙏🦉

[@gwynnfarrell1856]

That chick swallowing a whole vole was quite impressive! What a wonderful look at the early weeks in the lives of barn owls and the work it takes to raise them successfully. Thank you for capturing this and allowing us the pleasure of viewing it.

[@DinoTamer-22]

It’s so cool seeing Dryer being excited to see the eggs ❤ glad he stepped up

[@TheStickCollector]

Always impressive when they learn on the job

[@CristinaF210]

on youtube this is all i watch, animal adventures, Dryer looked at Gyilfie and said "damn honey, 3 eggs?? wow! thank you, your channel is so precious

[@RobertEFuller]

Oh thanks for watching glad you are enjoying my channel

[@elisemiller13]

You are a treasure Mr. Fuller, bringing these natural stories and images into our lives. Thank you deeply! Well being all ~

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks 🤩

[@RebeccaRuano]

I do wonder if she’s ever like “mouse, again? I was really craving vole tonight.” Perhaps I’m projecting 😅😂❤ Thank you. I love this ❤❤❤

[@MsLeenite]

Thank you so much, Robert. Barn owls are so beautiful, and this video was just fascinating! Gylfie is an experienced and capable mom, and Dryer certainly rose to the occasion.

[@lisablahnik9009]

Just an incredible film. It's such a privilege to be allowed to see nature this close up. Absolutely beautiful!

[@anitavincent7447]

Bravo Dryer for being a fast learner and an excellent provider (and funny to boot) what an awesome pair. Awesome are you also Robert to know when to (or not to) intervene. Thank you, your videos are so comforting. 🙏🏻🥰

[@AE-se9bl]

So wonderful to watch this sweet family again, like this in a video! Thanks a million for this amazing video! Take care all 🥰❤❤❤❤

[@chocolatefrenzieya]

Before calling Gylfie in a panic AAIIIGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!! 😅😅😅😅😅

[@msmoon1504]

lol that made me laugh too

[@arthurleywin8951]

dryer and his shenanigans with food xD always funny to see him checks out the eggs

[@falloutchick101]

I love these longer videos/ stories ❤️

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you like them!

[@GlitzyWitch]

Aw just wonderful, Gylfie is such an amazing mum, Dryer did so well as a new time dad. Love the names of the chicks ❤

[@r_r_r_r]

I love that Robert’s not the kind of documentarian who insists on hands-off no matter what. We impact nature just existing, might as well help life along when we can!

[@GBJeepMomLovetheJK]

Beautiful educational highlights of Gylfie & Dryer working together for this brood. Thank you!

[@normanjefferychester882]

How wonderful and beautiful Robert, thank you so much,i have you on my playlist,i go back and watch when i can enjoy , thoroughly 🌞,you live in a beautiful place

[@hxoa6581]

He comes up with brillant names for the birds honestly

[@robsin2810]

Looking forward to this season. Thanks so much Robert.👍🙏🇦🇺

[@flow7791]

Newborn birds are hideous, but grow up to be so majestic-looking-owls and parrots especially.

[@daftirishmarej1827]

Maybe they're that bad so we really appreciate when they grow up with their magnificent plumage?

[@glaxb17]

In Italy we call them Barbagianni, you can only see them if you live in small villages or in the countryside (in environments too illuminated by artificial lights it is impossible to encounter them) ergo I would say that these days they are a rarity, when was a kid, I lived in a remote village of 2000 inhabitants in the Marche hinterland region, beautiful areas and I often met them, then I moved to Northern Italy (here it is impossible to see one because of the lights, furthermore Lombardy is too industrialized and populated, not to mention the most horrendous landscape in Italy, it doesn't even feel like we live in the same Country, literrally (it's all flat,and this is already a rarity in Italy, moreover fog literally every day here) it is no coincidence that it is called the Po Valley (originally they were swamps, then they reclaimed the area by draining the water they were fed by the snow melting from the Alps to the north and the Apennines to the south with summer season, so they started populating it, but the fog still here (However we are full of toads 🙃a sad place...)

[@daftirishmarej1827]

@@glaxb17 grazie per l'informazione. Non c'è solo 'gufo'? Oppure troppo generale? Io habitavo in Abruzzo per 10 anni. Era possibile andare su è vedere tutte le stelle. Mi manca

[@glaxb17]

@@daftirishmarej1827 si, le regioni del centro est italia sono sicuramente le migliori a livello naturalistico/paesaggistico, umbria, marche, abruzzo (poco popolate e molto caratteristiche) comunque si tratta degli stessi uccelli del video (almeno a prima vista sono identici) barbagianni sono diversi dai gufi (almeno per come li intendiamo in italia) anche se suppongo siano della stessa famiglia dei gufi, ma gufo è un termine un pò generico, almeno credo... (a me mancano anche le lucciole, di notte era pieno sui bordi dei fiumi e dei laghi, ce n'erano talmente tante che a confronto le luci di natale sono poca roba) qua nel Nord è tutto illuminato altrimenti dovrebbero starci (almeno storicamente) dato che con sta pianura, con sta depressione sconfinata, insomma c'è nebbia ovunque in questa conca tra le Alpi e gli Appennini, quindi dovrebbe essere l'ideale per le lucciole...(infatti le lucciole amano l'umidità perchè si cibano di lumache e chiocciole, da dove venivo io (Urbisaglia, in provincia di Macerata) sotto il paese c'è un torrente, quindi è pieno di lucciole...(le notti di Giugno erano magiche, e ogni tanto mi scontravo anche con questi Barbagianni) il problema della pianura Padana è che è tutto coltivato (per questo è difficile trovare lucciole) mentre nelle Marche come in Abruzzo l'entroterra è ben conservato (ovvio che se ci fai un campo poi passi con la mietitrebbia le lucciole muoiono tutte, serve il bosco affinchè tu possa godere dello spettacolo) altrimenti qua con tutta sta nebbia vai tranquillo che prolifererebbero certamente...(il problema è la sovrappopolazione e l'industrializzazione, lo sfruttamento selvaggio di questa zona d'Italia) ovviamente mi manca anche il panorama e la fauna/flora, la tranquillità di quelle zone d'Italia...(qua scimmiottano tutti Berlusconi, pseudocapitalisti da quattro soldi, una gara all'avidità, ovvio che faccia tutto ca**re, hanno barattato la bellezza per quattro spicci dentro le tasche di pochi)

[@glaxb17]

@@daftirishmarej1827 tra l'altro come si deposita la nebbia qua in Padania per via della sua conformazione unica causata dalle Alpi, c'è anche laria più inquinata d'europa, perchè anche l'inquinamento tende a ristagnare in questa conca naturale, anche perchè da una parte ci sono le Apli, dall'altra parte d'Italia gli Appennini Non facevano troppi danni se la lasciavano una palude come era sempre stata naturalmente, invece qualche "genio" ad un certo punto decise di bonificarla per poterci coltivare...(ripeto, certamente un posto triste)

[@ireneroylance9472]

Beautiful!!!! I love Mother Nature...❤

[@CoyoteStarCraft]

I’ve never been interested in learning about owls but after discovering your channel and how well you documented these beautiful animals and take such good care of them, I’m really excited to be learning more about owls now. Thank you Robert! 😊

[@vivianefrancart5065]

It's amazing to see how much they look at humans in their fight, sorry. besides, it"s a very lovely film.Thank you for spoiling us with so much beautiful content,🙏🙏Mr.robert E Fuller🌹🌱🌿

[@jonnitrea]

Mr Fuller I just love your voice and how you speak, I could listen to you all day 🥰

[@petergarayt9634]

Wow, I never noticed those amazing details on their feathers before.

[@j.corbygaming]

10:12 Dryer is a good dad: “Buy/Make more than you need, now you have some extra for yourself over the next couple of days.” Good for him.

[@francescamocerithibert2937]

Thsnkyou for a beautiful precious video i enjoy it very much ❤

[@susanleezer182]

Thank you Robert. They make amazing parents❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@soniaribeirokloth1914]

Hi, Robert! Thanks for remembering us this special moment of this beautiful owl family!!🙏🤩🤗 It was a long way for Dryer, to learn his husband and father's duties, but finally he was well succeeded!!!😉 Great video!!! 🙌🦉🦉😍😎👍👏😃

[@mirandamartin4001]

Such an experience to watch this on the livestream. One of the first time I watched one of these stories

[@mgmegt5920]

Aw it was sad when daddy came home and couldn't find the momma at first. He got so worried! Also them being rudely interrupted by the squirrel was funny. Rip to their one baby that didn't make it. Beautiful creatures.

[@chichitex1252]

This is so magical to watch! Thank you!❤❤❤

[@kenhughes4715]

Fantastic video. Thank you.

[@dinitroacetylen]

Dryer is my spirit animal. When suddenly alone with children, scream on top of my lungs instead of exhibiting some common sense.

[@dr.robertbennett3452]

😂😂😂

[@henrylaubenstein6649]

Grüße aus Berlin und danke für die wunderbaren Geschichten.

[@mariethiers6915]

What a fantastic video! 🌟 Fantastic work of you, REF! 🙂🌷

[@user-zx4rc9by2o]

Мы всей семьёй обожаем сипух. Ваши видео потрясающие. Очень классно раскрыта жизнь и быт, таких поразительных птиц🦉💗🦉🥚🥚🥚🥚

[@miss_lorena2801]

Thank you Mr. Fuller for this great docu🙋‍♀️ I love barn owl's❤ My favourite owl's. This couple did a great job, wonderful to watch❤

[@harriettdennison6693]

Amazing!! Thank you for sharing!

[@user-du9ep6rl5z]

Thank you for letting us into these beautiful owls world!

[@sheryljaskiewicz8429]

I learn soo much from your videos

[@Avelithe]

Dryad: *panicked dad noises*

[@tinapaxton685]

So cute❤.. thanks for sharing this amazing insight into these beautiful owls and their life

[@chatgpt4135]

RIP and cuddles to baby 4 😢🥺 Cuddles to Gylfie dryer and 3 babes

[@RebeccaRichmond-sq7vu]

They are such intelligent birds. And beautiful.

[@davidvickers-hm2xm]

That's a great educational video Robert. Awesome work on these magnificent birds

[@staffiemama]

Thank you for sharing 😊 I think that was just beautiful to watch ❤

[@dagmarkunzel5406]

Gylfie, my great love! I don't like any living barn owl better than you. Thank you REF for this wonderful video. I saw many sequences live and shed a few tears. Overall, this is one of the most beautiful of your videos. I wish all owls a happy season.

[@austinobiyo2442]

It's amazing, you did great work there, the nature, the music and the environment are just wonderful, please continue the wonderful works of nature. Thanks

[@johannebeaudoin1848]

I love this clip ❤ thank you Robert, as I've said before it's like being a fly on the wall, a real privilege !

[@tonyandjanetparker3204]

Thankyou Robert for all these amazing videos.

[@canariosdodinhopedreiro1495]

Muito lindos os pássaros chorando o cuidado quê tem com os ovinhos parabéns pelo video e quê Deus abençoe sempre

[@vaithiyanathanmtgr1774]

Now I am enjoying for the past one month the same proses of a barn Owl in my house.the four baby's have come out and it is wonderful to watch.the mother doesn't afraid of me while I watch it .

[@hollzie7348]

Thank you for setting up such a wonderful place for these birds to nest in and also so that we can see their stages of life and behavior captured on camera. It truly is fascinating and magical to watch these beautiful, different species of birds choose their own nests for laying eggs. However, their nests seem close together that I'm surprised they still choose them. They must feel safe where they are, and that's always a good thing 😊

[@jasminelawrence-wt4vs]

they work so well together to raise the chicks. Good job to them

[@mnm25479]

Thank you so much for your videos. Deeply appreciative of your service to all of us, bringing these magical glimpses into the tough and beautiful lives these creatures lead. I'm learning a lot!

[@gvbalajee]

wonderful bird nature is so much blessed

[@vickistevens142]

Absolutely wonderful video... I found myself transfixed... Thank you for sharing these beautiful creatures of God and nature. ❤

[@michaelmendillo7513]

Drier,, being the typical man,,just gives the chicks the entire mouse !!! Lol !!! But, he does such a great job making sure they all have food ! Incredible !!! 😁👍😍✝️💕💕

[@alccoursemanager527]

My favorite owl is the barn owl and they are so CUTE!❤❤❤

[@H.O.P.E.1122]

Amazing how those homely babies become so beautiful.

[@BoldLion]

Awww!! Love this! Great dad

[@KatinaFineArt]

GRANDIOSE EST TA CREATION JEHOVAH 😍❤

[@mentalplayground]

Superb Video. Thank You

[@franceslynch8815]

This is mesmerising. The amount of time, effort and protection these beautiful owls put into their young is humbling to see. No online deliveries, hospitals or health checks for them or babies. We owe nature so much yet take more space from them. Your owl house is superb. Thank you so much for a wonderful enlightening wildlife film.

[@AliceLee-rj2ew]

Go Gylfie & Dryer!!

[@evelinablahova5371]

Thank you for this beuatiful video. I was joy to watch. I am looking forward to this season. Regards, Evelína.

[@marigianati6376]

I stumbled upon your video and I’m hooked. I live in the Caribbean and rescue lots of birds so I’m familiar with some of their habits. But we don’t have barn owls, so I find this so fascinating and quite a learning experience. Thank you Mr. Fuller!

[@RobertEFuller]

Hi 👋 welcome to my channel

[@marigianati6376]

Thank you! Today I attended a conference about conservation and just learned that we do have indeed barn owls in Puerto Rico! Very exciting!

[@tracyvarnes5463]

Absolutely beautiful and wonderfully created, by the one that created the world and everything in it. Thank you for sharing.❤

[@gemzoey1313]

Absolutely lovely video! Thank you so much for sharing this!🙏❤️

[@Sambuchaanimals]

Very good baby, thank you

[@Mmagic5]

It's so beautiful story❤ Thank you so much for bringing us such amazing moments in life of this wonderful beings🙏 ❤

[@kelseycox1177]

Hip hip Hooray it’s a video from one of my favorite KZbin Wildlife content creators. You tell the best stories of the birds. I hope your channel grows and thrives because you deserve it Mr. Robert. Your videos are comforting like tucking yourself under blankets fresh from the dryer on a cold winters day with a bowl of potato soup, with a cat on your lap, and a good old favorite book. ❤ Much love.

[@PoshCrochetPatterns]

I really enjoy your own videos very enjoyable 😊

[@barryedgington6812]

How beautiful to see how gentle and caring those owl parents are❤ Thank you for sharing this most enjoyable video! Helene

[@dido1803]

Really great documentary!! These birds are very cute.

[@geddonjr]

Dryer is like the best uber delivery driver. Fast food multiple times a day, to the point there was a surplus and he started helping himself to snacks.

[@Gabber44906]

Beautiful!

[@usmanaqeel100]

What motivated you to show us these beautiful creatures?

[@vijaypatel1040]

What a wonderful video and such amazing creatures. 🙏🏽

[@georgegaiennie3747]

Another fine video about owls - fascinating birds. That’s pretty country.

[@bonprofil]

Hello, your videos are superb, what talent!! These images fascinate me with their qualities. I have also been filming birds in the nest for decades with homemade devices. I am an amateur videographer who admires your work. It is a real pleasure of watching your documentaries. Thank you. Kind regards. Philippe

[@LunaLei]

The naming process is what always makes the owlets dear to me....

[@BillyAlabama]

Terrific chapter in this family!

[@LeaPuu-bz9gl]

Ma armastan linde .Jumal sa oled loonud ,naad imeliselt.Äitäh .kõigile .Jumala Õnnistusi teile❤😊

[@AAA-vu3dq]

Love your camera that gives us such a sharp view into Gylfie and Dryer’s life… thank you 👍