FIVE baby barn owls have been born in Co Antrim, the largest brood of this endangered bird ever recorded in Northern Ireland.
The nest site near Crumlin normally produces one to two chicks per year.
But barn owls nesting on the farmland have given birth to five chicks, which the Ulster Wildlife said is the biggest brood of the bird it has ever recorded.
Conor McKinney from the wildlife charity said the efforts of a volunteer, who monitored the site for two years and offered the owls additional food through the harsh winter, had helped with the births.
"Barn owls were badly hit this year with the harsh winter and wet spring, which could have spelt disaster for breeding as it affects their ability to hunt," he said.
"So, these record-breaking numbers are amazing and are largely thanks to the efforts of their dedicated volunteer nest minder, Ciarán, who stepped in and supplementary fed the birds to give the adults and their young the best chance of survival.
"With breeding pairs estimated to be around 30 to 50 in Northern Ireland and with only three known active nest sites, this bumper brood will provide a welcome boost to the local barn owl population and hopefully help these iconic birds make a welcome comeback."
