So yesterday, my brother Colin and I went out to see a hummingbird nest…And I realized we were quite near an area which has supported nesting Great Horned Owls for a number of years. I had never really had a tripod with me or a fast lens, so I had never gone into this dark and gloomy part of the forest to find it. Having both things on hand this time, we went to have a look, and to our surprise, the nest was quite visible from a nearby walking path! What a great day out!
![IMG_9802](http://ibycter.mango.mikeboers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_9802.jpg)
Here we can see one of the chicks poking its head out to have a look. It may seem from these pictures that the adult was concerned we were there, but the majority of the time the bird seemed to be snoozing, only briefly opening its eyes.
![IMG_9822](http://ibycter.mango.mikeboers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_9822.jpg)
Here the adult does some preening, while the chick has a look at a dog walking by on the trail.
![IMG_9690](http://ibycter.mango.mikeboers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_9690.jpg)
I love how distinguished these owls look.
![IMG_9831](http://ibycter.mango.mikeboers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_9831.jpg)
Here is a rare frame where the adult and the chick watch while we change positions.
![IMG_9807](http://ibycter.mango.mikeboers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_9807.jpg)
Here is a shot of the adult with two chicks, one alert and one yawning.
![IMG_9639](http://ibycter.mango.mikeboers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_9639.jpg)
In case you are wondering what the hummingbird nest looked like, have a look at this beauty!
![DSC_6602wm](http://ibycter.mango.mikeboers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/dsc_6602wm.jpg)
And in other bird nesting news, check out this shot my brother got of a Cooper’s Hawk grabbing a branch for a nest just behind where the hummingbird nest was! Photo by Colin McCann.
Reblogged this on Skvarla Falconry and commented:
Some great photos of Great horned owls at a nest.
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