Ayers Creek Owl Update: Family Portrait

Anthony Boutard of Ayers Creek Farm is keeping me updated on the Great Horned Owl nest in the top of a snag near their house. This morning the mother organized her young ones for an official portrait. (Click on either photo to see a larger version.)

Here is the trio of owlets. Recall, the eggs are laid several days apart, and the female has to start incubating immediately or the eggs will freeze and die. The first egg was laid the 1st of February and the third around the 20th. The size difference between the three owlets remains obvious, with the eldest sitting next to the mother. Their immature plumage is emerging and the facial disc is well developed. Any day now they will leave the nest and roost in the fir limbs. It will be nearly a month before they can actually fly, but they will be able to hop about the trees and build their flying muscles.