It Happened….
No, they did not branch, nor did they fledge - instead one of the owlets perched on the side of the tire. This is a stage I was waiting for, it shows they have developed balance. Unlike a tree branch that they can wrap their talons around, the tire is flat and requires more balance. The question still remains - will they branch?
26 April - (approx. 43 days old) - Partly cloudy, 59F S winds 9-11mph.
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27 April - (approx. 44 days old) - I arrived at the nest at 8:15. I saw the mother and one of the owlets on the side of the tire. After a few minutes the mother flew off. There was a bit of activity this morning. In this video you can see the owlet on the side of the tire, its sibling bites at its feet, it then jumps to the other side of the tire.
Clear to partly cloudy, 57F SSE winds 7mph
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ID - GHOW04-27-23-15 - Some people walked by and it hid behind the tree.
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At one point one of the owlets began eating something already in the nest. I have enlarged part of the item, there is a claw.
Select the images to enlarge.
The mother was active this morning as well. She moved approximately four times before settling in at the top of the nest tree (a favorite perch for her). She stayed there for at least four hours. I have circled the area of the nest and where the mother is perched.
Select the images to enlarge.