North Carolina Barn Owls Hatch on Live Camera

Six barn owls are expected to hatch in the next two weeks, allowing the public to watch the process in real-time.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:05pm

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The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has set up a 24-hour live camera with audio that allows the public to watch a nest of six barn owls hatch over the next two weeks. The first egg was laid on March 11, and the owls are expected to hatch between April 9 and 15. This is the sixth time the nesting box has been used by barn owls since it was placed in the western part of the state in 2011.

Why it matters

Barn owl populations are declining in some regions of North Carolina due to habitat loss and agricultural practices, so this live camera provides an opportunity for the public to learn about and appreciate these important birds of prey.

The details

The six barn owls are located in a nesting box in the western mountains of North Carolina. Officials say that six eggs indicate an experienced pair, as barn owls typically lay around four to five eggs. Once the first egg hatches, the others are expected to hatch every other day. The live camera will allow viewers to watch the owls hatch and begin preparing for life outside the nest.

  • The first egg was laid on March 11, 2026.
  • The owls are expected to hatch between April 9 and 15, 2026.

The players

NC Wildlife Resources Commission

The state agency that manages wildlife and natural resources in North Carolina, including placing the nesting box that is now home to the six barn owls.

Joe Tomcho

A conservation biologist with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission who provided information about the barn owl nesting process.

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What they’re saying

“Usually, once the first egg hatches, the others start hatching at about an every-other-day timeframe. Barn owls typically lay around four to five eggs. Six eggs indicate that these are an experienced pair. It's a really exciting experience to watch them hatch, but then to also watch them hop around in the nest as they prepare for life outside the nest.”

— Joe Tomcho, Conservation Biologist, NC Wildlife Resources Commission

What’s next

The live camera will continue broadcasting the barn owl nest 24 hours a day until the owls have hatched and left the nest, allowing the public to watch the entire process unfold.

The takeaway

This live camera provides a unique opportunity for North Carolinians to observe and learn about barn owls, an important species facing habitat challenges in the state. By educating the public, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission hopes to build appreciation and support for conservation efforts to protect barn owls and their natural environments.