Being in lockdown has introduced a whole range of new animals to our neighborhoods as they make the most of the quiet streets and empty roads. But when one man from The Netherlands discovered he was in close proximity to a family of feathered friends, we immediately got apartment envy. What we’d give to have that view every morning!
Jos Baart lives on the third floor of an apartment block in The Netherlands. One day when he was watching television, he spotted a totally unexpected sight. Europe’s biggest owl had decided to nest in the plant box in front of his window. It was the Eurasian eagle-owl, an owl that is generally hard to capture of camera. But there was another surprise.
The owl was nesting with three fluffy chicks – and they’re huge!
Jos immediately got in touch with Dutch radio and television show Vroege Vogels, and they ‘could hardly believe it!’ They instantly sent a reporter round who captured Jos’ incredible story, as well as rare shots of the beautiful owl and her chicks.
Their video was uploaded onto YouTube and became an instant viral sensation, with over 1 million views and 28k likes.
Jos initially thought that the noises he was hearing were pigeons in his planter. He told Vroege Vogels that at around half past eight one day, he began hearing bird noises. His first thought was ‘damn, those pigeons again,’ adding, “well, they are not my friends.”
But Jos thought it was best to check out the source of the noises, and one day he had the perfect opportunity to do so. He couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw the rare owl and her chicks.
“One time I got home a bit early, so I went to check and see what was there. The entire week it had been the owl that was calling.”
Jos has become fond of his owl family and checks up on them every day. He said:
“For me it’s like watching a movie twenty-four-seven. When you wake up in the morning they are right there in front of the window. That is just extraordinary.”
When asked if he ever talks to the chicks, Jos replied:
“Sure I do. Look, you can see how relaxed they are. They are not scared at all.”
Jos is excited for what the future brings for his nest of owls. They’re already so big, and they haven’t finished growing yet!
“Imagine if they are here for another two months. You will have chicks this size.” He stretches out his arms in exaggeration.
The owls even watch TV with Jos!
He says that whenever he puts the TV on, they all line up by the window and he can see their eyes flickering back and forth. He also moves his hand from side-to-side and shows us how the owls’ eyes follow where his hand goes. It’s amazing that they can see him so clearly and yet they don’t appear to be scared of him!
Jos reflects on how lucky he is to be living alongside a family of owls and says:
“This is very special. A very unique experience.”
We have to agree! We hope that Jos continues to share updates and pictures with us all.
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