Crows Attacked Mom Great Horned Owl!

Year 9

The crows attacked Mom Great Horned Owl this morning (quite a regular occurance). She seemed quited nonplussed by it all, and some of these black birds may end up being tonight’s snack for the owlets. This could be one HUGE reason why the crows always try to drive the owls out of the neighborhood (w/o success) (video link for email subscribers of the crow attack).

Mom just prior to the crow attack in a tree near the nest

Now in a distant White Pine. Mom even starts to preen, but at one point the crows get a bit too close!

The expression seems to say … you’re back?? You are a bother!

And the youngsters. Images are from yesterday evening.

Prairie Grass Managed Yard Burn

Year 9

Molly and I love our home and its location directly across the street from Amity Creek. When the windows are open we are able to hear the spring runoff rapids and “The Deeps” waterfall. We firmly believe in being good shepherds of the environment. Our yard is a combination of forest trees and tall grasses / wildflowers. We want to be welcome spot for the nature.

A healthy grass yard requires periodic burns, but this is something one should never conduct oneself. Given our location at the northern edge of Duluth, this past Tuesday we worked with the Duluth Fire Department (Fire Marshall: Captain Lisa Consie) and Prairie Restorations. Fire Marshall Consie insured our burn was conducted both professionally and safely. Prairie Restorations has a strong history of managing these kinds of burns and grass habitats … even for many Minnesota State Parks. Enough talk (actually writing) from me. Here are images I took during the burn (directly below the two videos). You will see Fire Marshall Consie in one of the photographs taking an active role in managing our burn. In addition note how men with automatic water pumps follow the men conducting the burns everywhere.  The water pumps were hooked up by long hoses to a water tank / reservoir back in a truck. (video links for email subscribers: Burn Vid 1 | Burn Vid 2). Folks should not be fearful of fire. If used and managed wisely it is a great tool for the environment.

Branching!!!

Year 9,

One of my owlets was branching for the first time yesterday evening! It may not seem like much, but for a Great Horned Owlet to move 3 feet away from and out of its nest is a HUGE life accomplishment. Its first flight should be in about two weeks. If you would like to learn more about the life cycle of an owlet follow this link to the Cornell School of Ornithology.

When the rain let us this morning, I hiked back to the nest. Both owlets were drenched and now branching! Guess owlet number 2 decided it needed to be like its sibling.

Here are a couple more images from the past two days before the big branching decision. Mom normally inspects me and then goes back to sleep. Most days Mom is up high in another white pine behind her owlets.

The kids being goofy.

Meanwhile over at Lester Park Golf Course courting is in full swing. Glad Molly did not make me give up part of my arm years ago when I was wooing her (i.e. the feather offering for a nest). I don’t think either of these guys were successful.

My yard has also seen a steady stream of Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks, which is very enjoyable!

Finally … remember, anyone is welcome to download a free PDF copy of my book about the owlets growing up, Do You Hoot?