When Gylfie the barn owl's partner disappeared, she spent her nights calling out for him. But these calls attracted a new suitor and Gylfie wasn't quite ready for him.
Gylfie & Dryer
This barn owls pair have been together since 2023, so when Dryer suddenly disappeared Gylfie naturally called out for him. But instead of bringing Dryer back to the nest, her calls attract a new male to her nest. He arrives first whilst she is out hunting and when she returns she is taken aback to find him inspecting her nest.
Fighting off her new suitor
Gyflie immediately puts up a fight and they lock talons in a lengthy battle. But the suitor returns and twice more she chases him off. With two older chicks to care for, Gylfie's time is taken up hunting for them. Although they have both fledged, they still depend on her and most nights she is busy delivering food to them.
Second brood?
Often barn owls attempt a second brood after their first chicks have fledged, but for that to happen Gylfie will need a new mate. This new male is going to have to work a lot harder if he's going to convince her to pair up with him.
