Robert E. Fuller, a talented British wildlife photographer, has produced a stunning collection of artwork. Residing and working in Yorkshire, United Kingdom, he has constructed habitats in his garden to attract various wildlife species. By observing their behavior, he gains inspiration for his paintings and other creative endeavors.
Apart from his artistic pursuits, Fuller is actively involved in animal rescue efforts, including the care of orphaned or lost baby owls, known as owlets. In one of his YouTube videos, Fuller explains, “I frequently place orphaned or lost owlets into tawny owl nests, and these birds readily accept the young chicks as their own. Their instinct to protect and nurture is remarkably strong.”
One of the tawny owls serving as an adoptive mother is named Luna. Interestingly, Luna herself was once a rescued owl. In 2017, she was taken in by owls at Fuller’s premises and raised as their own. Thanks to their care and protection, Luna developed into a healthy adult owl, driven by the desire to become a mother herself.
Over the course of two years, Luna endeavored to fulfill her maternal role, but unfortunately, her eggs did not hatch. The previous year, she experienced the loss of an entire clutch of eggs, as reported by The Dodo. Nevertheless, Luna was given another opportunity to experience motherhood when Fuller discovered two owlets in need of a nurturing figure.
Fuller recognized that placing the babies with Luna would satisfy her maternal instincts and provide the owlets a chance to survive. With anticipation, he positioned the two owlets inside Luna’s nest and patiently awaited her return, hoping she would accept them as her own and raise them.
Fortunately, Luna immediately embraced the presence of the two little owlets. After peering into her tree hole and spotting the babies, Luna swiftly entered, placing them beneath her wings and diligently covering them to ensure warmth and protection. This behavior, referred to as “brooding,” involves the female owl sitting on her young to regulate their body temperature until they grow enough feathers to regulate their own temperatures, as explained by All About Birds.
Witnessing this heartwarming sight, Fuller was overwhelmed with joy, knowing that these two little owlets had found a new mother. He was equally delighted for Luna, stating, “This means that after a long wait, Luna the tawny owl is finally a mother,” in a post he shared.
Luna’s partner, Bomber, also welcomed the owlets into their home. Upon discovering the two rescued chicks in the nest, Bomber appeared quite excited. However, Luna, displaying her protective nature, initially kept him at a distance. She allowed him a quick glimpse before guiding him out of the nest, firmly gripping his leg, as if to say, “Now go and fetch them some food,” as recounted by Fuller.
