The rare event only occurs in about 10% of barn owl nests
MCNEAL, Ariz.– The Whitewater Draw Barn Owls that captivated viewers of the Arizona Game and Fish Department's live nest camera this spring have a surprise for those still tuning in this August– a rare second clutch of eggs laid within a single year.
The first new egg was observed on Aug. 6, 2026 (just days after International Owl Awareness Day on Aug. 4, 2026), and two more eggs appeared within the following week.
The batch of new eggs follow the successful hatching and fledging of five barn owlets at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area earlier this year, which was streamed live on AZGFD's live barn owl cam. AZGFD biologists said a second clutch of eggs is an indicator of a healthy habitat and abundant resources for the thriving owls, and the event only occurs in about 10% of all barn owl nests.
"We are truly excited to share this news of a rare second clutch of eggs by our resident breeding pair of barn owls at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area," said Jeff Meyers, AZGFD wildlife viewing program manager.
"With the coming monsoon rains, we are hoping for heat relief and a rodent population boom to help this second clutch turn into more successful owlets," said Meyers.
Barn owls can be found on all continents except Antarctica, making them the most widespread of owls. These owls are primarily nocturnal and rely on keen hearing to locate their prey, which are mostly rodents.
This year is the first time a second clutch has been observed on the department's live nest box camera which is supported by public donations made to the department. Donations make it possible to keep the live cameras available 24/7 and for years to come, providing the public with a rare view into the lives of wildlife.
Members of the public can contribute to AZGFD's live wildlife cameras and other conservation initiatives by making a donation at www.azwildlifehero.com/donate.
To follow the progress of the Whitewater Draw Barn Owls' second clutch of eggs, watch the live cam here.
The camera offers an unedited glimpse of the owls' natural behaviors and the occasional harsh reality of life in the wild. Viewer discretion is advised.