It's that time of year again - with pictures!

[Sjisty]

Every year in the four years we have lived here we have a pair of Barred Owls that nest in our old dead oak tree. I don't know if it's the same pair or if their children come back and nest, but every year we end up with two babies. Tonight I looked up into the tree and this is what I saw!

I love these guys - every year we get to watch the antics of the babies once they fledge. They bathe in my bird bath, and believe me they fill the whole thing! They never bother my grown chickens but last year for the first time ever one of the babies did dive bomb some of my chicks, so I'll have to be very careful until my chicks are older, but that's okay - these owls are absolutely beautiful and always welcome.

Welcome to the world, little one!

This is one of last year's guys.

 

[Ms.FuzzyButts]

Amazing, so pretty!! Thanks for sharing...

 

[chixie]

beautiful

 

[theoldchick]

I salute your respect for nature's creatures. Great photos of normally an elusive subject!

 

[ams4776]

That is great pics....hope all your chicks make it. I miss the bald eagle we used to see around here. Never see the owls just hear themthem

 

[Sjisty]

The chicks will be fine - they just have to be locked up until these guys figure out that their diet doesn't include chicken. It will only be a few weeks and then the chicks will be old enough that the owlets won't bother them. They can still free-range when we are outside. Contrary to what I always thought, the parent owls are active all day long. I guess it takes a lot to feed such big babies.

 

[platinum dragon]

wow. the owl emerging was a priceless picture

 

[Laurajean]

Oh, how sweet. I love owls, but have never gotten a picture of one. Do they come out during the day then? Just beautiful, thanks for sharing. Post more pics if you get any!

 

[redhen]

Super neat!!

 

[Dunkopf]

Those are cool. I always thought Owls were nocturnal too.