3.1K views · 20 reactions | The distinctive screech of a Barn Owl at its nesting site on the Ards Peninsula can be heard for miles. With less that 30 pairs left in Northern Ireland that sound is getting harder to hear. David Maxwell visited the active nest site for tonight's Farming Matters programme. Join Nicola Weir from 6pm or listen again at a time that suits you by going to BBC Sounds. | BBC Radio Ulster | Facebook

The barn owls have hatched! As a follow-up to our owl nesting box post from a few weeks ago, this video was taken on July 3 of the hatched baby barn owls! Notice that the mother snaps her bill and hisses at the end of the video as a way to intimidate potential predators. The young owls are days old, as their eyes are not yet open and they are covered in light down and pin feathers. Young barn owls remain in the nest cavity for 52-56 days. The nest box was erected by the Hi-Lonesome Chapter of th