Mr. Great Horned Owl stands guard close to the nest site. Perhaps more of a decoy for the Crows that will come by to mob him from time to time.
When this occurs he often flies off leading the Crows away from the nest area.
With the owlets now having all fledged…he’ll be kept busy keeping track of where they all are.
For the most part the young tend to stay together…but there’s always that one that like to hang out alone.
Rather than searching the bush for Horned Owls…opted for open grass lands to search for possible Short-eared Owls.
These owls can be found in open areas and will use any short posts and bushes to perch on…also seen on the ground along back country roads
The unusual fact about these owls would be they are ground nesters. Not having to rely on other birds to build their nest.
Preferring grassy areas which makes the nest sites impossible to see…grasslands provide them with plenty of mice and voles their main food source.
Being migratory owls they are most commonly seen from early spring till late fall.
The Great Horned Owlets are becoming larger with each passing day it seems…won’t be long before they branch out.
Some may wonder what is meant by “branching out”?
This is a term used when the outlets simply leave the actual nest and perch on limbs in the tree where the nest is located.
This is the first step before they actual fledge.
Until they branch out its possible to see them on the edge of the nest stretching or flapping their wings…the nest is fairly large but if all 3 owlets decided to become active it may be a bit cramped for space.
Once they have fledged they will tend to hang out and perch together…will have to wait and see just how things turn out.