After a very different nesting season this year, I was quite happy to finally see a young Great Horned Owl out and enjoying life in the world beyond the nest.

May 2nd, 2021. This photo was taken at 6:17am, just after the sun had climbed above the shoulder of Sonoma Mountain. I had been stopping by most every day for a week and more to check for this year’s young owls.

7:39am - Our young owl is in the same spot over an hour later and now the sun is really flooding everything with golden light, you can see the differences in the colors of the owl, the branches and the leaves from the first photo.

The mother or father owl is always nearby to guard their offspring. Usually I can see them, sometimes I cannot.

May 3rd, 7:20am - I have just located the young owl and ‘she’ appears to be thinking about making a move.

And a few minutes later she has launched into a short flight…landing is the trickiest part.

Voila, she has planted a good looking landing. You may notice that her eye appears dark here, she has closed her nictitating membrane over her eyes as they regularly do when they are entering areas of potential eye damage. This membrane allows them to see a bit while it provides excellent protection from scratches or other damage to the eye.

A few minutes later she has attained full composure and is perched securely at the top of her landing spot and looking quite comfortable and confidant…

…when suddenly she is faced with a fast flying female Mallard duck racing towards her…there is more to this encounter but you will have to wait for the next book of The Owlery, coming to you soon on this website.

May 4th, 7:30am - Now we have two fine young owls, the same as for the last four years. Here they are hanging out way up high in the eucalyptus trees, the highest I have ever seen them perched until now.

Eight minutes later, I’ve changed my position and we see the owls in the same spot but it looks quite different in some ways.

May 8th, 7:03am - Our pair of young owls has found themselves a cozy little spot to snooze the day away.