Great Horned Neighbor

Sometimes a bird comes to you. This great horned owl spent an afternoon resting in our backyard last week. It was tempting to go outside but he definitely was paying attention when we opened the patio door. As darkness fell he edged out to the edge of the branches and was gone the next morning.

Spring Grooming

With the windchill at -30F and a snow storm predicted I thought it was a good time to share a spring evening with a great horned owl. 

Owlet Siblings

The size difference of these owlets made me curious. Apparently owls lay their eggs sequentially over several days and growth starts at that time. Eggs also hatch in the order they were laid, resulting in the size difference. Behavior solely designed to ensure survival of at least one of the owlets.  Another example of the complexity of nature.

Great Horned Owl Family

For the last several years a great horned owl has nested in Mammoth. It's location is well known and visited evenings by tourists armed with all types of cameras. The adults are frequently seen resting in trees overlooking the street. We were there when the owlets were about 10 weeks old and at least one was almost at the fledging stage.