Shortly after they were banded, the baby owls began flying from their nest in the barrel to some vehicles that were parked in the quonset. I got a little too close with my camera one day and the eldest flew the coop and discovered the great big world outside. I was ecstatic that her first real flight was successful. Then, with her on the ground, I started to panic – what have I done?! I was somewhat relieved when her parents immediately swooped near her and hooted from the closest tree. She hopped through the grass toward their direction so I left them alone.

A couple days later, the second owl also left the quonset. We have seen both of them, and their parents, in the trees nearby.

They even left me this feather. Happy hunting! Hope to see you next year.