If it's got chicks, don't go too close to them. Tawny owl parents have been known to fly silently up behind people and dig their talons into their eyeballs.
The cautionary tale of what happened to Eric Hosking made a lasting impression since my early teens (i.e. over 50 years ago, and that was about 30 years after he lost his eye!). I haven't seen or heard any indication of chicks, unfortunately, but I'll still treat our visitors with due respect. There's a dearth of suitable nest sites round here, to the extent that Mrs Poacher has suggested I build a large nest box and stick it up a tree at the bottom of the garden. I doubt the smaller residents would appreciate it, but then again, they may actually get some benefit if the owls keep magpies and other potential predators at bay. I'll certainly give it some consideration, otherwise my life will be made hell.
