Success! … at least almost. After over 20 nighttime hikes stumbling through snow that is over 3 feet deep, I found “Dad’s” daytime roost. By listening and tracking the evening hoot, I had narrowed down the forest nesting area. This is the fourth year I have watched this unique pair of Great Horned Owls raise owlets! While I did not find the nest this morning (went back this morning to the location of last night’s hoot), I know from experience the male always sits during the first few weeks within line of sight of the female / nest. I may not find the nest till the snow melts and the whitewash and owl pellets are more easily seen, but it is now only a matter of time! This winter has been particularly brutal as for most of my nighttime hikes, the temperature were well below zero.

Should you have Great Horned Owls hooting near your home, if you would like to watch them raise their young, now is the time to get out there at night and follow the hoot. Within 2 to 3 weeks the parents will stop hooting.

Great Horned Owl (father of Hoot)

Actually it has been a good week for owls. A few days ago when the winds were calm for 48 hours I made certain to get outside … found the Snowy Owl just before sunset, and this Great Gray Owl just after sunrise two days ago in Sax-Zim Bog. Although the wind was calm, the air was cold (-35F). The owl was not hunting, and only want to feel some warmth of the sun’s golden rays after a brutally cold night.

Great Gray Owl