Owl’s Nest, Part 1 In the early morning of April 15, 2020, this Great Horned Owl, Bubo virginianus, followed me with her eyes as I approached her nearby nest in the Old Burying Ground. Situated in a cavity where branches converged, the nest had been used previously (see Great Horned Owl Nestlings) and was about 30 feet overhead in a huge live oak tree. I suspected that it might be in use again and these fresh droppings at the base of the tree were a clue of recent occupation. After waiting patiently for some time, I caught a glimpse of a single downy head, peeking out of the nest… Later in the day, I observed two owlets in the nest! Late in the afternoon, an adult joined the little ones in the nest. It was their Dad, recognizable by the flattened “horns” that differentiated him from their mother (previous photograph). Did you see both owlets? As they grew larger, the owlets were left on their own more often. They remained alert to my presence, already able to turn their heads 180 degrees. Turning toward the north Turning toward the south When he wasn’t in the nest with the young, Dad was often keeping an eye on the nest from another tree… Adult feather “horns” are moveable like a cat’s ears. When the nestlings were about a month old, Dad was still tending them… Becoming more daring, this nestling stands at the edge of the nest… Inching farther away from the nest. Soon both owlets were standing at the edge… I was lucky enough to catch Dad posing for my camera with his offspring… To continue with more days of observations, go to Owl’s Nest, Part 2. For more on Great Horned Owls, see… Great Horned Owls: First Encounter >>Great Horned Owl Nestlings >>A Young Owl’s Adventure >> Please follow and like: Share this:FacebookXLike this:Like Loading... Post navigation Hello Butter-ButtOwl’s Nest, Part 2