As of this morning, my Great Horned Owl chicks have graduated and are officially juveniles. For the first time since they were born in mid March, my owlets have left the nesting area (Elvis has left the building!). Up until this morning, I was always able to find my friends within 250 yards of their nesting tree. This morning I discovered this owlet almost 1/2 mile distant. However, just like humans … my juveniles may be hunting on their own, but Mom and Dad are still helping. Here is some information from the Cornell School of Ornithology:

Do The Parents Look After The Young Owlets After They Leave The Nest?

Fledglings remain in close company for several weeks, thereafter in loose association. They often roost together in the same tree in the immediate vicinity. Adults generally roost away from the young, who react to the sight of the adults with begging calls and flights towards the adults. Fledged owls remain with parents throughout most of the summer and may be seen begging for food into October, four to five months after leaving the nest.

Thus, if this summer is similar to last year when I watching this pair of Great Horned Owls raise twins, with some hard work and significant hikes I should be able to find my owls at least through June. This morning it took me over an hour of hiking, and I was assisted by some local crows towards the end of my search. Even when I knew the area in which to look, it took me ten minutes to find this owl. There are a lot of trees in the forest!

Great Horned Owl Graduation Photos

Also seen in the Amity Woods … Scarlet! (This bird is a male pileated woodpecker. You can see its scarlet mustache and the crest is red from front to back. A female would not have the mustache, and does not have a full red crest)