Eagle owl chicks expected in Marburg church tower

The Südturm of Marburg's Elisabethkirche is abuzz with anticipation, not for religious services, but for the pitter-patter of tiny owl feet. A webcam trained on a nesting box has transformed the historic church into a global birdwatching hotspot, with fans eagerly awaiting the next generation of eagle owls. If all goes well, two new chicks are expected to hatch around May 19th, joining the growing family of 'Uhu Lisbeth' and her late mate, 'Hugo'.

“

If everything runs smoothly, two more chicks should hatch around May 19th in the nesting box in the south tower of the church at an altitude of around 70 meters.

This isn't the first time the church's owl residents have captured public attention. The previous clutch of three chicks faced a dire situation when Hugo, their father, ceased visiting the nest. Faced with the grim prospect of starvation, the young owls were rescued by the local Nabu Marburg environmental group and transferred to a specialized wildlife rehabilitation center. There, under the care of 'Uhu-Amme Momo,' they are reportedly thriving.

According to Nabu, the rescued owlets are developing "excellently." Now around six weeks old, they are described as "vital, alert, and apparently well-cared for." They have shed their fluffy down and entered the "fledgling phase," where young owls leave the nest but are not yet capable of flight, exploring their surroundings by climbing and hopping. Their first flight attempts are expected around their eighth week. These three, affectionately nicknamed 'Juhu 1,' 'Juhu 2,' and 'Juhu 3,' are slated for release into the wild this autumn.

“

The young owls are developing "excellently" – at around six weeks old, they are "vital, alert, and apparently well-cared for."

Even the soon-to-arrive chicks have been pre-named 'Juhu 4' and 'Juhu 5' by the dedicated Nabu team, who promise to keep the public updated on their progress. The enduring interest in this conservation project highlights a unique German appreciation for nature and wildlife, often closely followed and supported by local communities through organizations like Nabu.

“

In this developmental stage, young owls already leave the nest, although they are not yet capable of flight. Instead, they explore their surroundings by climbing and hopping; in the wild, typically on rocks, embankments, or tree trunks.