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Barred Owls 2015 — 2,483 Comments

1. Pulled photo from the archives, a happy memory a few days back.

   Owlet is 2 weeks old today, egg is 45 days.

   Luna doesn’t roll the egg any longer, but she keeps it under her chest feathers still.

   A fantastic day for the owls. Life is good in the nest.

   

2. Noche arrived and didn’t appear to be carrying. Flew off after a minute, Luna vigorously preened owlet.

   Not as much communication going on lately. More stealthy activities.

   

3. This is an earlier screen capture (8:33 P.M.) when Owlet was looking for Luna, who was out of the box hunting.

   

4. Luna looking around carefully before she rejoins her lovely Owlet. Since the camera was off line, wasn’t able to confirm what Luna delivered.

   

5. Luna returns at 8:52 with prey, small critter that I wasn’t able to see clearly. She stands momentarily looking around and then returns to the Owlet, eagerly awaiting. “Owls own the night,” and what a beautiful night it is.

   

6. Really reaching up to the entrance way, soon a tiny head will pop up in view in the exterior cam!

   No calling or crying, just watching for Luna.

   

7. Once again, yawn motion. Today when a small bird landed on the perch, owlet opened the beak quite a few times, I’m getting a sense it is more fear and or stress related.

   

8. Waiting for Luna. Fascinating jaws and tongue.

   

9. The Barred Owl:

   One common misconception is that Barred Owls are strictly nocturnal animals (animals that are active at night and inactive during the day). They are most often heard after dark, but Barred Owls would actually be better described as crepuscular. Crepuscular is a term used to describe animals that are primarily active during the twilight — at dawn and at dusk. In fact, these birds are known to do the majority of their hunting at dawn and dusk. In addition, they can be quite active during the day (diurnal) when raising owlets (baby owls) or on overcast days. In an article by Chris Showalter.

   Sunrise and sunset. When day and night meet.

10. 64 degrees at 8:24 A.M. with light rain in the morning forecast. Cool morning and nighttime temps mean that Mom still has to be careful even though Owlet’s thicker coat is coming in beautifully and affords some protection. Seeking Mom’s comfort and warmth here.

    

11. Playing, happy and content. Beautiful, feathers appearing on the face.

    

12. 7:39am Luna turned herself and laid down, leaving owlet fully exposed.
    Whether it be from the bird incident or perhaps a bit chilly, owlet began to call/cry loudly. Luna stood up, leaned her chest feathers into the owlet and instantly crying stopped.

    This photo was when Luna turned to comfort and warm the owlet.
    Immediate change. Later, owlet will be bobbing Luna, trying to get out.

    

13. A small bird once again visited the nest box, it actually landed on the perch, peaked in and flew off. Owlet was reacting and Luna cooed to calm him/her. Interesting behavior.

    Most interesting was the owlet was opening it’s beak, as if displaying a defensive move. Hiding under Luna’s long feathers, owlet was mighty defender of the nest, or in fear and reacting. But, repeated this for better part of a minute.

    

14. Bonding through preening.

    

15. A picture of contentment during a preening session this morning around 6:50 A.M.

    

16. Good morning, Fran. That is so interesting, especially about the fish. The stream must be very close to the box since Luna leaves to bathe in it. Great food supply here. Would have been perfect for two owlets. This little one will have all the advantages of B3, perhaps will develop just as quickly and become just as spoiled. We just won’t have a true owl comparison until next year if Andrew invites us back. What fun.

17. Just a couple minutes before color cam. One of my favorite times to see exterior cam. When day and night meet.

    

18. Another from the same sequence. No holding the Owlet back.

    

19. By 6:18 P.M., Owlet was full and very sleepy. Just couldn’t hold the eyes open.

    

20. From feeding sequence around 5:40 P.M. Not sure what the prey was. Owlet still appeared to want more.

    

21. Have read that Owls do enjoy bathing and that observers often see Barred Owls “wade into shallow pools and splash water over their head and back” (Lynch 20). Necessary to cut down on parasites, to which Owls are particularly prone, and enjoyable. Wouldn’t that be fun to see.

    The captures relate to a feeding that took place around 5:40 P.M.

    

22. What a Fantastic Day!!! Bonding, learning, teaching/ growing.

    Sitting in Luna’s spot when she allows it. Sweet.

23. Luna had another dip this evening, her feather are wet! Albeit not a soothing soaker, but she’s wet.

24. Looks like Luna brought prey.

    

25. She took a good, long look around before entering.

    Also, egg is partially visible in lower left, my previous photo. Day 43.

    This latter photo is pretty Luna entering nest box while owlet looks on.

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