Owls
During the last week of April, we were planning to watch the Bald Eagle nest (see 'Raptors'). One bird, likely the female, was sitting low in the nest from the ground perspective and barely visible while the other, presumably the mate, was sitting on the ground directly under the nest. I am not sure of the significance, if any.
As we were watching not much of anything happening, the park ranger paid another visit reminding us to keep moving. He also informed us of another nest housing a Great Horned Owl and one juvenile. Following his directions to the Platte River trail, this is what we found:
The nest is also viewable from another trail far below along the South Platte River. This is the better view.
In the pictures below, the adult Great Horned Owl (GHO) adult, is the one with the 'horns', which are actually tufts of hair resembling ears. The design promotes the high level of hearing possessed by GHO's. Owlets are born helpless. This one is coming along well.
We will go back periodically to monitor progress.
In the pictures below, the adult Great Horned Owl (GHO) adult, is the one with the 'horns', which are actually tufts of hair resembling ears. The design promotes the high level of hearing possessed by GHO's. Owlets are born helpless. This one is coming along well.
We will go back periodically to monitor progress.