Friday night just before sunset I first saw the entire Long-Eared Owl family. All three owlets were still in the nest with both parents nearby. I decided Sunday afternoon to delay our drive back north to Duluth and look for these cool birds one more time. After significant hiking in the woods I found Mom, Dad and one owlet. The youngsters have now left the nest and are branching. Given how heavily treed the thicket in which the owls nested, the owlets are able to walk quite a ways from branch to branch. Although 2 pm in the afternoon is not a good time to see owls, as they are very drowsy, I had a great time.
My final comment is I had always thought Long-Eared Owls were large, but I was mistaken. Compared to Great Horned Owls, the parents are much smaller. However, compared to a Screech Owl they are much bigger. Thus, I now would describe them having finally seen the owls as “medium sized”.
Long-Eared Owlet
Dad (sort of awake)
Mom (sleeping)
These must be the family in EP that caused such a ruckus on The Owl Facebook page. Your photos are awesome and I’m sure you gave them the respect they deserve. I thought about goin but assumed my binocs would not do them justice. Now I regret it, so thanks for the awesome photos.
Yup … they were sleepy owls and I kept a respectful distance and did not try and wake them up. The owlet fell asleep moments after my photographs … laying down on the branch which totally surprised me! I had never seen and owlet sleeping in a prone position, but I assume they do within a nest.