The young barn owls are now learning how to fly

The birds' progress is followed by the British Trust for Ornithology-led Barn Owl Monitoring Programme.

Initial reports showed prolific sites were in Sussex, Hampshire, Devon, North Lincolnshire and Salisbury Plain.

East Anglia, Northamptonshire, parts of the East Midlands, Nottinghamshire, East Yorkshire, Cumbria and the Solway Plain were also successful areas.

Colin Shawyer, from the Wildlife Conservation Partnership, said: "These are the earliest egg-laying dates we have seen in 20 years of barn owl recording in Britain.

"Most clutches were started in the first week of April, over two weeks earlier than average.

Fruit glut

"Across the country, young barn owls are already learning how to fly and to hunt for their own food."

Scientists said the successful barn owl season was linked to a good crop of fruit and seeds last season.

British Trust for Ornithology research biologist Dave Glue said: "The four main food items taken by barn owls are field vole, wood mouse, brown rat and common shrew.

"Last winter there was an exceptional glut of wild fruits, including beech mast and haws, which was great news for these mammals.

"The rodents in turn provide a ready food supply for barn owls."

The success was highlighted in the BBC Two programme Springwatch Barn Owls, which followed the progress of five young owls at the Fishleigh Estate, Devon.