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Comments

Barred Owls 2015 — 2,483 Comments

1. In photo of Luna gently tearing at egg shell, there is also a heart shape there, that is not the egg. The egg is under Luna’s chin.

2. Patticake98, that will be the last time I add an S to your screen name. All apologies my friend.

3. Spring has sprung in Wappinger’s Falls NY.

   

4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtUSXzeoa4w&feature=youtu.be

   A very beautiful gift to us from Patticakes98.

5. What we are privileged to witness here is literally a struggle for life. Of course, most traumatic for the emerging hatchling, but stressful and exhausting for the parent when she is called upon to help as seems to be the case here. That help has to be ever so gentle and careful.

   

6. Sara, in the photo with the egg tooth, there is a long dark line, that must be what Luna was pulling at. I missed pic but saw it. A big tear, it won’t be long now.

7. Egg tooth they call that, owlet has it still too, will eventually fall off.

8. Luna was assisting with the shell, there is a long tear in it.

   

9. Sara! I looked at that and thought, what’s that? Bingo. I think you are right.

10. Luna is tugging at owlets shell.

11. Luna is very focused on what I believe is assisting here. Same movements and vocals seen and heard yesterday.

    

12. And another…..

    

13. A couple more. Is that a little beak poking out of the egg?

    

14. 7:30am owlet had first feeding! Second feeding at 1:19ish.

    HOOT!!!!

    

15. View of second egg. It’s possible that Luna is assisting here. Behavior quite similar to yesterday’s prior to first hatch.

    

16. Pip, owlet after feeding, mouse/prey and one female full of grace!

    

17. Luna possibly assisting here. It’s not uncommon. Very similar behavior to yesterday. Also possible pip. Can’t tell for sure.

    

18. Fairly confident breakfast was a rat. Comment in the process of moderation. Used naughty words.

    Owlet should be interested in food very shortly. Although parents are very anxious to feed their newly hatched chicks, the latter generally are not interested in food immediately after hatching since some recovery time is needed after that stressful event.

19. If anyone is overwhelmed and rightfully so, it’s the tiny little life struggling to be free of that shell.

    This too shall pass and high hopes for a sibling soon!

    A lull in the action, time for some chores.

    Enjoy!

20. Egg #2 was visible for a quick look. Dark shadow on top/point, same as egg#1. Is this the beginning? Hope so.

    

21. Welcome owl newbies and new viewers!

    11:50am Luna had begun a galloping call, signals food, she also
    is attending egg #2. A busy owl today.

    The Owl Cam Sound Library has a few interesting calls that are relevant to the current goings-on in the nest. Comment at 9:36am has link.

    Also, a brief description of what they are communicating!

22. The prey seen earlier may very well be a rat. The tail appears to be fairly long and hairless as far as I can tell with a magnifying glass. Just can’t tell if the body hair is soft or bristly. As long as it’s not a Wood Rat, my favorite, but then the tail would be fuzzy.

23. I think I got Luna feeding the chick and the other egg peeking out.

    

24. From the Owl Cam Sound Library -Galloping

    Used routinely by female while feeding owlets. Happens while food is in her mouth and during transfer to owlets. Occasional variations resemble the chattering sound. Sound and context lead me to speculate that it is associated with the transfer of fluids that supplement owlets digestive abilities.

25. From 8-9:00am not much visibly occurred. Luna always amazed me how still she can remain for long periods of time, that will soon stop once the owlets get pushing.

    Furry prey, with tail. I need to keep handy, a Peterson’s Field Guide
    of mammals. Reptiles too, although I couldn’t ID the frogs. For sport and fun, no other reason, when cam action is at a lull.

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