Snow Birds Return

Year 7, ,

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.

Mom … Guardian of the Great Horned Owl Nest!

Year 7,

Let’s here it for Moms everywhere. Soon it will be Mother’s Day, and these fine females raise the kids, guard the home, and teach their young how to conquer the world. With Great Horned Owls, our Mom has to put up with crow attacks all day long. During the night she hunts (along with Dad) to bring home the bacon. It’s amazing Mom ever gets any sleep? Sound familiar, you human Moms? Great Horned Owl Moms lead a tough life.

Thus … Mom, the Great Horned Owl (also known as Amy … photographed at sunset last night and sunrise this morning)

Her triplets … the youngsters she keeps safe. (photographed this morning)

Yesterday, this Bald Eagle stretched its wings in salute to Mom! (photographed at my local Wisconsin wetlands yesterday morning)

Great Horned Owl Daily Report!

Year 7

It’s been four days since I’ve filed a Great Horned Owl triplet report. First, the basics … everyone is doing fine. I suspect we are seven days away from the first short hopping flights. At this stage, we have entered a point in the young owl’s lives called branching. This is an official term, not one I created. For young owls, branching is the period when they are not able to fly, but are able to walk around their nesting tree … onto different branches. Their talons are well developed which gives the young owls plenty of grip strength.

Here is a photograph and two videos which demonstrates branching. The actual nest has now been destroyed by the owlets (not on purpose), and the chicks were greeting the early morning sun a bit after sunrise. Today’s temperature is hanging out in the high 30’s, with a stiff NE wind off Lake Superior. Thus, the use of branching to get morning sun was appreciated by everyone.

Early this morning just after sunrise … Branching

A video taken at the same time this morning (video link for email subscribers)

A Great Horned Owl chick setting off on a walk! (video link for email subscribers)

Now it’s time just for fun photos! These images are a few of my favorites taken over the past four days

Seen from on high! (I am lying on the ground starting straight up about 40 feet)

Six Eyes!

Enjoying the morning sun!

The triplets go through an amazing amount of food, which keeps both parents very busy hunting. The two main items on the menu seem to be rabbits and crows.

Eating rabbit

Rabbit, not just for breakfast anymore (video link for email subscribers)

Thus, as you can see, the Great Horned Owl chicks are doing fine. I am generally visit the nest at dawn and dusk, weather permitting (i.e. I am a fair weather birder!)