Growing Tufts

It's that time of the year when I give all the local Ospreys' nests a second glance to see if there is an unusual protrusion of some feathery tufts.  Osprey nests are very prevalent in this area and are usually the nest of choice for Great  Horned Owls to over take. 

Mama Great Horned Owl

Each year, though, there is at least one pair of owls that picks a high profile place to raise their chicks. This year's location was in an oak tree just feet from an entrance to the local community college. As you can imagine,  this drew a significant amount of attention from a number of spectators, many of which lacked any knowledge of wildlife ethics. Luckily the college stepped in and roped off a perimeter around the tree. I tried to briefly stop by each week to catch a glimpse of the rapid growing owlets.

Great Horned Owlet
1/22/13

The first time I saw the two owlets they were already a few weeks old. Mama was standing watch from a tall pine across the parking lot.

Great Horned Owlet siblings
1/22/13

The next week the owlets had grown quite a bit. You could see the development of some tiny ear tufts.

Great Horned Owlet
1/27/13

Great Horned Owlet
1/27/13

Great Horned Owlet
2/9/13

Great Horned Owlet
2/14/13

Great Horned Owlets
2/14/13

My final visit was on a cold, windy Sunday afternoon. I arrived to find both owlets gone from their usual spot. Great Horned Owlets usually leave the nest after 6 or 7 seven weeks but do not master their flying skills until 10-12 weeks. One owlet had ventured to higher branch while the other had moved to neighboring tree. This owlet moved to the tree in the sun and was trying keep warm!

Great Horned Owlet
2/17/13

Last weekend was another reminder of just how quickly time flies..

...when you're havin' fun! Where has the time gone???

Happy birthday to my favorite little birding companion!