A surprising and unusual event occurred on June 8th, 2021, when a pigeon entered a barn owl nest box that was being live-streamed on the Charter Group Birdcams YouTube channel.
The nest box contained seven nestlings, and at the time, the barn owl parents were roosting outside the box during the day and returning only at night to feed their young.
The following day, the pigeon returned to the nest box, this time with its mate, and laid an egg next to the barn owl nestlings.
Pigeons typically lay two eggs and start incubating only after the second egg is laid. As a result, the pigeon slept outside of the barn owl nest box and did not encounter the barn owl parents.
However, on June 10th, the pigeon decided to sleep inside the box during the night, leading to an unexpected encounter with the barn owl parents.
The male barn owl was unsure of what to make of the pigeon, while the female wasted no time in asserting her dominance and showing the pigeon who the true queen of the nest box was.
This unique event has garnered attention from bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, as it provides a rare glimpse into the interactions between different bird species.
The live-streamed footage has been viewed by thousands of people, and the story has been picked up by various media outlets.
The Charter Group Birdcams YouTube channel has become a popular destination for those interested in observing the behavior of various bird species in their natural habitats.
The channel features live streams of bird nests, bird feeders, and other bird-related content, providing a unique and educational experience for viewers.
Overall, the unexpected arrival of a pigeon in a barn owl nest box has captured the attention of many and serves as a reminder of the fascinating and unpredictable nature of the natural world.
