Springwatch viewers were left in shock after the BBC Two programme showed gruesome scenes without giving any warning

Springwatch viewers have been left fuming after the show failed to warn them before airing gruesome scenes on the BBC Two show.

The episode saw hosts Chris Packham and Dancing on Ice star Michaela Strachan update fans on a short-eared owl’s nest, but things took a turn for the worst when one chick was “pecked to death” by its sibling.

Addressing Springwatch viewers, Michaela said: “It seems like they were all being fed, and just yesterday I was saying that one was doing well. But I’m afraid in that nest things took a turn for the worst.”

Owls
Viewers were left fuming as the show aired the scenes without a ‘five minute warning’(Image: BBC)

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Michaela admitted the team was “really surprised” upon telling viewers how one chick ate its sibling in “shocking” scenes. However, viewers were left horrified when the show went straight into the clip without any warning.

“As you can see, that little one became week and defenceless, and that stronger sibling took complete advantage and started pecking at the younger one who was still alive.”

Apologising that it was hard to watch Michaela continued: “It pecked it to death. That was really surprising to us, because as Chris said they were fed four times.”

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one shocked fan wrote: “Really dont think they should have shown the owl being eaten alive #Springwatch.”

Owls Springwatch
Fans saw a ‘gruesome’ update of short-eared owl’s nest(Image: BBC)

Another said: “Got to love #Springwatch. Just watched my first 5 minutes of this series and I’ve already seen one short eared owl chick peck a sibling to death and eat it’s cadaver,” as a third commented: “Baby owl eating its sibling alive ffs . Give us a 5 minute warning next time.”

It comes shortly after the show kicked off its 20th anniversary series. The show broadcasted from a new location, in the picturesque Peak District.

Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan introduced the first episode on May 26 with a nostalgic montage of clips featuring familiar faces, including Kate Humble and Bill Oddie, from the show’s debut in 2005.

To celebrate two decades on air, the show introduced a new feature, Springwatch Street, which delves into the secret lives of urban wildlife, showcasing the thriving populations of foxes and swifts in city environments.

Fans were overjoyed with the anniversary series, with many taking to X, formerly known as Twitter to share their delight.

Others were more focused on Chris’ Oasis style bucket hat. To go along with the theme, the host peppered his opening segment with Oasis puns, teasing viewers that they were in for a treat: “You’ll want to be here now as we’re about to bring you the Champagne supernova of wildlife TV, starting tonight.”

“@ChrisGPackham clearly on an Oasis kick tonight,” penned one follower, as others begged him to break out into song.

“Oasis songs then Chris?” questioned one, as another said: “Some might say that Chris is naming Oasis songs.”