Fantastic photos of baby Tawny Owls

These young Tawny Owls have recently emerged from their nest somewhere in the Churnet Valley. Tawny Owls are relatively early breeders, starting in February or March. They nest in cavities such as holes in buildings or trees or specifically designed nest boxes. The clutch of 2 - 3 eggs is incubated for between 28 and 30 days and the chicks are then brooded by their mother for a further 15 days while the father hunts for their food. Tawny Owls diet is largely small mammals, invertebrates and small birds. After 15 days both parents leave the nest and search for food with which to feed the growing young. When they are 25 - 30 days owl, but before they are able to fly, the owlets may leave their nest and sit on nearby branches while waiting for their parent to feed them this is what the ones in the photos are doing).  When their wing feathers are sufficiently developed, at about 35 days the young start to fly, however they are still dependent on their parents for a further three months. Photos courtesy of John Coe.