NOTE: This observation is a continuation of a previous post. The earlier article can be found here: Great Horned Owl – VCDB Nests Update 4

Other than a brief Turkey Vulture flyby, there was no much going on at the south Great Horned Owl nest today.

A Turkey Vulture flyby.
A Turkey Vulture flyby.

The story was significantly different at the north nest. There we found the juvenile owls unattended by the adults. And,as expected, the tilt of this nest gave us an excellent look at it occupants. It looks like we have two healthy owlets at this location.

The two unattended owlets.
The two unattended owlets.

Great Horned Owls lay their eggs in the dead of winter. This means that they must begin incubating their eggs immediately in order to protect them from the cold. The result is that the owlets hatch over a period of days, and that each member of the brood will be at a distinctly different stage of development at any given moment.

The proof of this can be found in the accompanying photographs. The two owlets are very obviously different in size—one large and one small. The oldest owlet is already showing evidence of flight feather development. I estimate his age to be approximately 4 weeks.

The mother owl returned to the nest while we watched, giving us some insight into the types of interactions that go on between the adult and the young. A sample can be seen in the video below.

Mom returns!
Mom returns!
A closer look at the above picture.
A closer look at the above picture.
The owlets were very glad to see their mother.
The owlets were very glad to see their mother.
Notice the new flight feathers on the owlet's wings.
Notice the new flight feathers on the owlet’s wings.
Striking a similar pose.
Striking a similar pose.
The owl family settling down together.
The owl family settling down together.

NOTE: This observation is continued here: Great Horned Owl – VCDB Nests Update 6

Observation Details

CountyTarrant
CityArlington
DateMar 9, 2013
Time of DayMorning
TemperatureCool (50-69°F/10-21°C)
WeatherOvercast
HabitatWater-Bog/Marsh/Swamp
Type of BehaviorCare of Young
GenderMixed
MaturityMixed
ObserverChris Jackson

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