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.
Now that the rivers are running and the ponds are free of ice…Osprey have a place to fish.
This nest site was a failure last year…which was disappointing.
Wonderful to see a pair back here and hopefully they nest.
Mr. Osprey has already started bring in more twigs/branches to add to the nest.
Things are looking positive…a nice way to close out the week.