Tengmalm owl chicks born in Holland

[frostfire]

For the first time in 30 years a pair of Tengmalm owls (Boreal owls) has bred in Holland. A nest was found in Drenthe earlier this year, but the two chicks from that nest didn't survive. Then in june a second nest was found, in which four chicks have been born and two of the little ones from this nest have survived so far.
Apparently 70% of young tengmalm owls are eaten by predators, as when they wait on branches for their parents to give them food, they are easy prey for pine martins, hawks and tawny owls.
It is thought that the pair of owls came to Drenthe from Germany, as Germany is having a bad year for mice; the tengmalms favorite food. It is still to be seen if this will be a permanant stay or nesting spot.

Seems like good news on the bird of prey front, not something you hear often! Lets keep our fingers crossed the remaining two chicks make it...

~*~Frostfire~*~

[goosey]

That good news indeed . I really hope these chicks survive now and the adults stay around to have more broods.
I have never heard of Boreal owls and just looked them up and they are such lovely looking birds.