Five images of one of the Great Horned Owlets at about four months old. Two of us (witsend and I) were out looking for the Owls on July 23. We found one of the Owlets up high in a tree and initially could not find Mom or the other Owlet. We were about to give up when Penny spotted it perched at eye-level. It seemed to be soaking up the sun and didn't seem to be bothered by our presence. We managed some shots before about a dozen or more Crows came to harass it and chase it off to a high perch next to its sibling. This was the first time that we had seen the Crows harass one of the young Owls.

Top image: The Owlet as we found it , simply resting and soaking up some sun.


The Owlet gave us a good look before returning to its sleeping pose. Note, the almost adult-like ear tufts of the young Owl. Also, all of the fluffy belly feathers are now replaced with permanent fathers.


The young Owl, looking up, appears startled by a flock of screaming Crows.


The Owlet starts to turn as if preparing to take off whilst keeping an eye on the menacing Crows.


Just before take-off, the Owlet keeps looking up with fearful eyes.

Note: A swarm of Crows can tire out and kill a young Owl. In the past Mom seemed always to come to the rescue. we did not see Mom now; however, she may have been perched up high nearby and decided to let junior learn to fend for itself.

I've previously been involved with the rescue of a totally frightened and exhausted young Owl from a menacing flock of Crows ( see http://www.pbase.com/hankvv/image/124088818 )