2021: One Owl Nestling

On March 22, I first caught sight of a single nestling, peeking over the edge of the nest. Covered with pale gray down, it’s eyes were wide open. Ear tufts were starting to form on its head. It was probably about three weeks old.

It seems that once the nestling no longer needed its mother’s “brood pouch”, she stayed away from the nest and her mate took over supervision of the nestling…

The following photographs show the features that distinguish him from the mother owl. Note that he is somewhat smaller than his mate, and his “horns” are not as upright ..

Gradually, the nestling remained alone in the nest for longer periods, but one of the parents was always close by, snoozing and listening …

Four weeks into March, the nestling had grown considerably with less down in the facial disc area…

Looking up to Dad…

April 12: the nestling was getting restless, climbing outside the nest or standing at the edge. Much of its down was replaced by juvenile feathers.

On the morning of April 15, the nest was empty! The owlet had left the nest completely, becoming a fledgling. It had taken its first short flight, and was perched on a branch high above the nest, still in the nest tree.

Four days later the fledgling had moved to another perch. It was on its way to independence!

By mid-July, the fledgling was approaching its adult size with little down remaining on its body. The “horns” were still not fully formed …

By fall, the young owl would strike out on its own, leaving the territory of the parents.

In other seasons there were more nestlings. Be sure to visit…

• Owl’s Nest, part 1 >> (2020, Two Nestlings)
• Owl’s Nest, Part 2 >>
• Owl’s Nest, Part 3 >>
• A Young Owl’s Adventure >>
• Great Horned Owl Nestlings >> (2018, Three Nestlings)