One of my owlets was branching for the first time yesterday evening! It may not seem like much, but for a Great Horned Owlet to move 3 feet away from and out of its nest is a HUGE life accomplishment. Its first flight should be in about two weeks. If you would like to learn more about the life cycle of an owlet follow this link to the Cornell School of Ornithology.

When the rain let us this morning, I hiked back to the nest. Both owlets were drenched and now branching! Guess owlet number 2 decided it needed to be like its sibling.

Here are a couple more images from the past two days before the big branching decision. Mom normally inspects me and then goes back to sleep. Most days Mom is up high in another white pine behind her owlets.

The kids being goofy.

Meanwhile over at Lester Park Golf Course courting is in full swing. Glad Molly did not make me give up part of my arm years ago when I was wooing her (i.e. the feather offering for a nest). I don’t think either of these guys were successful.

My yard has also seen a steady stream of Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks, which is very enjoyable!

Finally … remember, anyone is welcome to download a free PDF copy of my book about the owlets growing up, Do You Hoot?