Fledgling Great Horned Owlets

 During "Guacamole Day" in Spanish class, I noticed two heads sticking up in the nest area.  The owlets are becoming more and more active each day.  "When the young owls are 6-8 weeks old, they begin to venture from their nest. This is before they can actually fly. Nature's method provides owlets opportunities to develop their leg muscles that will very soon be catching their own prey. In a natural setting owlets that appear to have fallen from their nest actually have fledged."

"In a natural wooded area, bushes and smaller trees provide a ladder of sorts and allow the chicks to climb to a higher perch until they can fly. When owls nest in a city with concrete below them rather than a soft forest floor, problems arise. That is also the case with a well-manicured park or lawn setting that has nothing that can function as a ladder for the tykes." Source  At our school, we have lots of students and one Ironwood tree for them to climb.  The odds of success?  Luckily the ground below is NOT concrete.  When will they fledge?  And then begin to branch?  Soon.  It may have been today.  So many questions and unknowns.

 There is a lot of action going on outside.  I investigated around the area and I have some good news to report.  For now, both owlets appear healthy.  And second, both Mother and Father were spotted together.  The rumor about the male being killed by crows was just that.....rumor.   We have to keep an eye on both these owlets because they are in a high traffic area.  So playing detective, I went to locate the parents.  A walk nearby would reveal their location.  Here is a ground squirrel hiding out in the shade.  But does this little guy know hoo is above him?

 Lucky for him, she's sleeping:)  There's a lot going on.....students, finals, owlets, graduation....and it's all rather chaotic.  Again during this active time, I'll try to do my best and keep you all updated.