This is the heartwarming story of a rescued tawny owl named luna who adopted a pair of orphaned chicks after her eggs failed to hatch.
The cute encounter was recorded by a hidden camera placed by wildlife artist and major owl enthusiast Robert E Fuller.
He placed the orphaned chicks with Luna hoping that she would feel comfort with them around.
“This means that after a long wait, Luna the tawny owl is finally a mum. Not only did her eggs fail to hatch this year, but she also lost her clutch last year,” said Fuller.
“And the event also brings the story round full circle since Luna is herself a rescued tawny owl, raised herself by owls here at Fotherdale who fostered her in 2017.”
Bomber, Luna’s partner, was overjoyed to learn that he was a father, but Luna made it clear that it was Bomber’s obligation to provide some food for the babies.
“The first time Bomber the tawny owl discovers the two rescued chicks I placed in the nest he seems very excited.”
“But Luna seems a little protective and doesn’t let him too close just yet. She lets him have a quick look then guides him out of their nest with a firm claw on his leg as if to say, now go and get them some food.”
After receiving a call that the chicks were in need of a home, Fuller stepped up and rescued them.
“They had fallen from a stack of straw which was about to be moved. I’ve taken them into my care & so far they are feeding well – just listen to that chittering demand for more food. I hope to get them back into the wild asap.”