One for the History Books

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photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

Saint Patrick’s Day Surprise and hard to believe…yes, a pair of Great Horned Owlets.
Great Horned Owls are the earliest of nesters being found on a nest mid-February and March.

Incubation period is around 30-35 days…the owlets will be out of the nest but remain in the nest tree around 6 weeks old
.
Like all young they are unable to hunt and rely on the adults to be feed them…they do like rabbits among other things.

From what I witnessed these owls are now able to fly…though their landing skills look somewhat miscalculated and funny to watch.
My best guesstimate would be the eggs had been laid in mind December.

I’m sure this early nesting will be a Manitoba record.

Sleepy Little Owl

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photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

Recently had been out in search of nesting Great Horned Owls…since I was in the area it only made sense to check for a much smaller owl.
This Eastern Screech Owl much to my surprise was nestled into the same cavity that I had seen last fall… truly the Masters of Camouflage.

These owls are monogamous and usually become active late in the day just before sunset. This could very well be a location where the pair nest…will have to keep that in-mind.

Couldn’t help but think of the line from the movie Bambi when I took this photo…wake up, wake up friend owl.

Winter Owling Recap

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photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

Well it’s definitely been an strange year as far as Winter Owls.
Found that Snowy Owls to be fewer than normal being hit and miss and you could never count on seeing one at the same location twice.
Disappointing year for Great Grays…with not one sighting.
Couple of Hawk Owls that provided some enjoyable encounters.
Last but not least…the Northern Saw-whet sightings would be the most enjoyable part of the winter.
As we near the middle of March…thoughts of returning Peregrines will now be on my mind.