The young owls are certainly growing quickly. Both parents are bringing food to the nest and Mama Hoo is spending less time with them. The weather has been cooler than usual for this time of year but does not seem to have affected their progress. A few days ago, these two owlets were banded by a group of dedicated volunteers. Despite our intrusion, the parents … Continue reading HooCam S8 E6 Banded
This is the first time Papa Hoo has brought her some food since she laid the first egg. Has he been preoccupied with Camilla? We haven’t seen her ,either, since Mama Hoo claimed the nest. Papa Hoo hoots from nearby, and Mama Hoo returns hoots. Then he shows up with dinner. Also, in this episode, Mama Hoo defends her nest while Papa Hoo tries to distract an intruder. We now have a 4 foot high wooden wall across the quonset door. Hopefully, this will keep them safer. Continue reading HooCam S8 E4 Mama Hoo Defends
We are proud to announce that Mama Hoo has laid an egg in the barrel! There has been a lot of action this week watching 3 owls. Mama Hoo, Papa Hoo and introducing Camilla. All three have been in the quonset at the same time. Finally, last night, Mama Hoo claimed the barrel and hopefully succeeds again this season. Continue reading HooCam S8 E3 Mama Hoo Egg 1
These owlets got their bracelets this week! Big thank you to this bunch – Karla Bloem (International Owl Center, Houston, MN), Dick Clegg (who previously banded owls in our barrel), Martin Gerard (SK bander extraordinaire), Al (Birdman) Smith and their local assistant, Tanner Stevens. They did a great job and the owls hardly seemed phased by the commotion. Click to learn more about banding. Continue reading HooCam S7 E7 Banding
The owls have been busy this week. I really enjoy watching this awesome mom! Happy Mother’s Day! Continue reading HooCam S7 E6 Leg Work
There have been many changes this week. As her babies grow, the need for more food increases and Mama Hoo spends less time at the nest. Both she and Papa Hoo are bringing treats for their young. Although we only saw Papa Hoo bring one meal, Mama Hoo seems tireless in her job to feed the babies. The eldest has started hopping in the nest … Continue reading HooCam S7E4 Antics
This great horned owl family has been amazing this past week. We saved some of the highlights and put together this video for you Continue reading HooCam S7E3 Amazing Growth
We noticed this week as the snow was melting that Papa Hoo brought about six meals per night to Mama Hoo. She stayed on the nest most of the time welcoming his meals while keeping the eggs warm in this unseasonably long winter. Then, last night, she didn’t eat it. We think she has begun a stockpile for the owlets when they hatch. The food will tenderize in the nest until the young find them. At the end of the video, as Mama Hoo leaves the nest, she inadvertently pierces one egg in her haste to fly away. Continue reading HooCam S7E1 Eggs in a Row
We were pleased this spring to see Mama Hoo had laid two eggs in the same barrel nest in our quonset. We set up the cameras and enjoyed watching this pair. Some of this year’s highlights include a drop-in visit from a sparrow, Mama Hoo uses careful balance returning to the nest, Papa Hoo brings a meal, dream-hooting, and of course, an uninvited guest stays … Continue reading HooCam S6 In an Eggshell
We have checked them a few times and Mama Hoo is never far away. I think she is calling them to the trees, but they are still unable to fly. Soon, my pretties… Continue reading HooCam S4 E5 Empty Nest
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