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Barn Owl Nest Livestream Draws 62K; Five Owlets Survive

6/23/2026

Summary

NCWRC Streams Owl

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission livestreamed a barn owl nest, drawing over 62,000 viewers.
Austin Hill’s female laid six eggs, with one never hatching and the youngest dying on May 27 from malnutrition and prey shortages.
Viewership peaked on April 15 when the owlets began hatching, with five surviving to fly.
NCWRC will keep cameras active until fledglings may leave by July, then pause for a month because rodents limit food.

Summary

NCWRC Live-Cam

The NCWRC launched its inaugural live-camera program for a barn-owl nest, a first-time public offering.
Education Division Development and Evaluation Supervisor Sydney Brown said the project exceeded expectations, with viewership peaking on April 15.
Conservation technician Joe Tomcho removed a barn owl for banding on June 2, 2026, which the live feed will capture.
Staff said upcoming weeks will let audiences watch the owlets shed down, explore the barn and practice hunting.

Summary

NCWRC Nest-Box

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) installed a nest box in 2011 at a western North Carolina site to monitor barn owls.
Live-cam project, launched from an Education Division meeting, supports 2025 Wildlife Action Plan’s barn-owl priority and urges viewers to download iNaturalist and report sightings.
Barn Owl Trust and agency offer a nest-box blueprint for homeowners and seek donations to Wildlife Diversity Endowment Fund for Species of Greatest Conservation Need.

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NCWRC Streams Owl

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission livestreamed a barn owl nest, drawing over 62,000 viewers.
Austin Hill’s female laid six eggs, with one never hatching and the youngest dying on May 27 from malnutrition and prey shortages.
Viewership peaked on April 15 when the owlets began hatching, with five surviving to fly.
NCWRC will keep cameras active until fledglings may leave by July, then pause for a month because rodents limit food.

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