Barn Owls Las Gallinas 2011
This year, we either missed our usual box-ful of owls at the end of Smith Ranch Road--or they fledged without our noticing. But the box near the picnic area alongside the sports field was very exciting. Three chicks emerged, one at a time each day starting on June 5. I actually saw the white-faced male standing on the box in the dark that first day at 5 AM. Too dark for photos. He flew off into the bushes behind the box tree.
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I'm not leaving until the weather improves!
The photos make these chicks look bigger than they are. Really quite tiny when they first emerge.
Ah, at last, three in a row on June 9th!
Navigating small branches is a new skill. Wings help.
He looked a little scared. We watched as several crows started screeching at him, and landing right next to him. (You can see the band on his leg.)
Now it's June 8, and the owls are getting curious about these gawkers.
Probably a male with that white face . . .
He was panting and trembling, surrounded by crows. We worried about him until the next day when he reappeared along side the other owls near the box.
Now I recognize you!
Female
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