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Continued from the "Great Horned Owls" tab above:

Baby 2 hops and flaps to greet Baby 1

This fledgling wants to know if Baby 1 is okay, and if Baby 1 brought back any food.

03-27-21: Another challenging landing

Baby 2 uses the tree trunk as a backstop. Whatever it takes to land safely.

Baby 1 flies toward Baby 2

The older fledgling is a little ahead of the younger one in flying ability and coordination. A couple of extra days of development can make a big difference.

03-27-21: Together again

The fledglings are back together on a large branch. It appears Baby 2 is checking to see if the adventure has resulted in a snack. The adults have been watching from their perches nearby.

04-04-21: Their flight feather development continues

At 10 weeks, the flight feathers of the owl fledglings are obvious from a back view. The tail feathers are still developing. The two young owls are often seen together on the same branch, or in close proximity.

04-04-21: Front view shows downy bellies

The two fledglings still have a lot of down on the front, even though their flight feathers are growing rapidly on their wings. 

04-08-21: Baby 1 is seen roosting with Mom

  At 10 to 11 weeks, the fledgling’s flight skills have improved. It can maneuver into a denser canopy where the adults typically roost. The adult with ear tufts is on the right.

04-12-21: The older fledgling snoozing just before sunset

The fledglings are less active during the day now, usually beginning their activity just after the sun goes down, often moving from tree to tree soon after they wake up. 

The younger fledgling is still snoozing too

This baby will be active soon, and it will be hungry. The fledglings are still dependent on the adults for food. They watch the adults catching unlucky rabbits, squirrels, mice, rats and small birds.

04-12-21: Baby 2 wakes up and stretches

The younger one is becoming more coordinated, but is still a little behind Baby 1 in its abilities. Its darker flight feathers are more noticeable now.

04-12-21: Baby 1 wakes up and looks at the camera

    

The fledgling sees that it’s picture time again.

04-12-21: Baby 1 perches above Mom and calls to Baby 2

The sun has just set. The female will leave soon to hunt for food for the kids. They’ll need a good meal before their trip tonight.

Baby 2 heads off to join Mom and Baby 1

The fledglings can fly, but they don’t have much stamina. They will have to rest several times throughout the night.

04-12-21: The female adult is ready to go

The fledglings have been fed. She’ll let them rest for a while. The adults will be moving them out of the area tonight.

04-12-21: Baby 1 is ready to go

This owl doesn’t realize what a big night this is. The adults will be leading them away from the nest area, to a more secluded woods to continue their training.

04-12-21: Baby 2 is ready to go

This fledgling is now able to fly a distance of about 100 feet. That’s enough to go from housetop to housetop or tree to tree.

The male is on a nearby roof, leading the way

The adults are ready to take the fledglings to another area, farther away from people and pets. They will teach the young owls survival skills, especially how to hunt for their own food.

04-12-21: The fledglings are ready to follow

This is their last night in the nest area. The fledglings will be protected by the adults and fed if necessary through the summer months. In the fall, the adults will nudge them away so they can go out on their own and find their own territories.

 All images on this website Copyright © 2021 J.A. Heintz - All rights reserved
Information on this website is from personal observation and from the following resources:

 www.allaboutbirds.org 

Bird Cams FAQ: Great Horned Owl Nest

All About Birds All About Birds Great Horned Owl

Audubon Field Guide Great Horned Owl

Whatbird.com Great Horned Owl Growth Chart

International Owl Center Great horned owl - Wikipedia 


Copyright © 2022 HEICRON - All Rights Reserved. All images © 2021 J.A. Heintz


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