Great Horned Owl - Again!

Me and a fellow photographer found the female Great Horned Owl that fledged three chicks about two weeks ago. One was up in the tree with her - still whitish and downy, but much bigger. She is teaching this one to move around and probably hunt for food. I'm sure she's doing a lot of feeding. Note the tired look (also the redwood leaf coming straight down the center of the nose).

Of the three, one chick was taken off by a Red-Shoulder Hawk, probably while mom wasn't looking, otherwise there would have been a tremendous beat-down. The second fell out of the nest late last week and was captured by animal rescue. They will fill it up with food, and when it's ready to be released, bring it back and let it go. The third is hiding up in the tree with mom, too well covered by branches and such to get a good shot.

The extra shot is a White-Breasted Nuthatch just a few trees over from the owls. Quite common now in the park as our Cavity Nest Recovery Program seems to be increasing their numbers along with the Western Blue Bird. These little birds always feed for insects on trees and sweep going down the tree - almost makes you dizzy to see.

Enjoy!