Yew View Tawny Cam
Since 2018, a pair of tawny owls has nested in a purpose built nest box in the garden at Yew View. I have installed a series of cameras, that have improved over the years, to document their story. I currently have three Hikvision cameras at this nest box; 2 inside and one outside.
Every year, apart from last year, they have raised a family here. In 2020, she laid, but abandoned the eggs. We had a lot of flooding at the time and we think this may have affected her ability to hunt.
2021 is the first year we have been able to live stream, thanks to a high speed broadband installation on site. I am excited to be able to share this story with a wider audience this year. Be prepared for dramas though...... it is never an easy journey and we never know what is going to happen!

Live Tawny Cam coming soon!
Tawny Timeline
January 2021
Visits to the box increase. Female starts spending time inside the box during the day
20th February 2021
1st egg laid, This is earlier than in previous years.
Tawny Owl YouTube Playlist
Behind the Scenes
This current nest box was purpose built for the site. I designed it and my carpenter friend, Dave Harper, helped to build it. It has a 50cm square base and is a deep box, to ensure the owlets do not leave the box before they are ready to go. The large 'veranda' area is edged with branches for easy grip and this area provides excellent footage as the adults often interact there. When the owlets leave, this platform provides a safe vantage point before they branch out into the surrounding trees.
External camera: Hikvision HD Bullet
Internal Cam 1: Hikvision Dome
Internal cam 2: Hikvision Mini dome
Internal sensored lights (on in day and off at night)