Estonian Eagle Owl Nest 2022, 2023, 2024

[Liz01]

Mr Kassikakk is nearby. it would be nice if she showed up

17:57 he flew away . What a pity

he looks great

[bubo1]

Hello all!

Is there someone here who can answer questions about the Eagle-owl nest? I live in Åland, Finland and I wonder if similar artificial nests could be beneficial here.

Best regards,
Mattias Sarling

[Urmas]

Nest platforms have been used to avoid predation. Possible predators can be affecting more on ground (wild boar, fox, lynx, wolf, jackal). But few of such platforms have been occupied by now. Mostly caused of very low number of owls. We have few former nestings of Eagle Owl in other raptor nests, including abandoned White-tailed Eagle nest in high pine top.
Maybe important in terms of webcam - it is really difficult to broadcast the exact place of nest on ground before nesting time, because they use different places in different years (to avoid parasites, maybe). Installing of camera should happen before they start nesting behaviour.

[bubo1]

Thank you for your reply!
I have only seen a couple of nests here, and they have all been on the ground. It is estimated that there are about 20 territories on this island. We have invasive raccoon dogs that have had a negative impact on many bird species, unsure if they attack Eagle-owl nests, but we also have foxes, though free of lynx and other similar predators. Extensive hunting of raccoon dogs has brought down their population significantly.
How do you choose nest location? How far from forest edge? Is there a minimum height?

Thank you,
Mattias Sarling

[Urmas]

We installed all artificial platforms in places where Eagle Owls have been before, but on ground and with low breeding success. They usually look not exactly similar to that, here in front of camera, but more open (without of roof), on pines or spruces mainly. Height depends on possibilities in tree crown.

[Polly]

Good evening everyone!

Is it okay with you if I contribute this video?
I had to think of that immediately when I read this question here.
I was so intrigued by the simple idea.



Good luck on your way to supporting these wonderful birds!

[Jo UK]

Thanks for that interesting film, Polly.
I didn't understand a word but I understood what they were doing!

[bubo1]

We installed all artificial platforms in places where Eagle Owls have been before, but on ground and with low breeding success. They usually look not exactly similar to that, here in front of camera, but more open (without of roof), on pines or spruces mainly. Height depends on possibilities in tree crown.

Thanks for the information, appreciate it!

[bubo1]

Good evening everyone!

Is it okay with you if I contribute this video?
I had to think of that immediately when I read this question here.
I was so intrigued by the simple idea.



Good luck on your way to supporting these wonderful birds!

Interesting clip, thank you!

[Urmas]

I did not understand the speech also (though neighbours), but the method we use is similar. Only material for nest platforms and quantity are different. In Estonia less platforms are built and they are more of wood. Also we have less oaks in forest.

[Liz01]

February 24

Good day everyone

The male visit the nest

Inga wrote:
4:37 arrival
6:51 off
thank you Inga

his arrival

[Liz01]

I was lucky, I could download the stream. So 'I will do a short video of this visit.

6:51 he flew away to the right. Male and female are hooting and mating sound

I did a zoom video. 6:51 Male flew out , is hooting. she answers and comes closer, then you can hear the mating sound at 6:51:57 / at 6:52:05 female is chirping

[Timea]

Yay, still get it to work. (always difficult with the pictures) Saw and heard this:

Love to be able to follow their nesting adventure.

[Timea]

Never followed an Eagle Owl, so I have no idea if I'm looking at a male or a female but there was some cleaning of the materials on the floor done by this one, before standing still and the day-dreaming started.

[Timea]

s/he is calling

[Timea]

Been in the nest place for some time. Now standing on the porch again, calling every now and then.

No one comes, daylight went, this one leaves.

[Liz01]

thank you Timea

Male was in the nest.
18:07 Female starts hooting
18:08 she is still hooting, he flew away

[bubo1]

Do you think mating has occurred?

[Liz01]

Bubo , I heard nothing till 18:18. The male started hooting.

[Liz01]

February 25


good Morning everyone

Judith. Ina B and Inga thank you very much
Judit Gergely wrote in the chat:
​01:19 - 01:33
Judit Gergely
​06:13

Male came in and is hooting




1:21 Female is hooting nearby