There are special moments in life. Yesterday evening was one of those precious times for me. Just before sunset I watched both Great Horned Owl chicks take their first flights!
I have been watching the evolving story of Amy and Les (Ma and Pa) plus their kids … Dee and Dum since early February. This photograph was taken approximately two hours before the owlets’ first flights.
First Flights … The Video (link for blog email subscribers)
For the past month we’ve been experiencing a dry spell here in northern Minnesota. When precipitation came down, it was snow. Thus, my owlets had not really experienced a cold downpour. As long as snow is not wet, the birds can shake off the white stuff. That ended early this morning starting around 4 am. When the rain ended at 8:30 am, I hiked over to the nest area. The chicks did not look happy!
Waterlogged Great Horned Owl Chicks
A happier owlet in the sun late yesterday afternoon
The term “snow birds” normally refers to some of my fellow Minnesotans that spend their winters in Florida or Arizona, but in this case I use the words to call out some returning song birds to the Northwoods. My wife and I drove 100 miles south to meet our son and daughter-in-law for a “social distance hike”. During our hike I found some birds which I have not yet seen near Lake Superior, were enjoying the spring weather (50’s and bright sun).
Yellow-Rumped Warbler
Purple Martin (these birds do not live in my area … too cold)
In addition, I made a trip over to the Lester Golf Course ponds which are near my house. My poor Bluebird couple was trying to defend five bird houses from the recently arrived tree swallows.
Tree Swallows trying to take over a birdhouse
Blue-Winged Teal taking a migration break.
Finally all continues well over at the Great Horned Owl nest. These two siblings are really starting to walk around their “home” white pine. The first image was taken right at sunset last night. This morning I found the pair hanging out 20 yards away on the opposite side of the tree … and ten feet higher up … morning sun! Given they are not able to fly, it was quite the walk, but their talons now have great grip strength.
