Photographer documents wild owl’s growth from birth

By Lauren Beavis

This remarkable photo sequence follows the development of an owl - from a newly hatched chick to a fledgling.

Marc Freebrey, 51, followed the development of a long-eared owl on the West Pennine Moors over the course of eight weeks in June and July this year.

He said: "At birth, the chicks are blind and covered in soft white down.

"Within seven to 10 days, their eyes open, and they become more alert, beginning to move around the nest.

"By around three weeks of age, they start climbing onto nearby branches, and their white down is gradually replaced by a second layer of grayish fluff."

Marc, who lives in Gloucestershire, added: "Fledging usually occurs between 28 and 35 days after hatching, when the young owls leave the nest to begin short flights and tree-hopping.

"As their mobility and confidence grow, they start practicing hunting from fixed perches.

"Despite this increasing independence, they continue to rely on their parents for food for up to two months before fully dispersing from their natal area."