Mating and Post-mating Dance

 

Copulation of Black-necked Stilts takes a few seconds and when it is finished, the post-mating dance will begin.

After copulation, the pair cross their beaks in a post-mating dance.

The beaks are crossed, but the stilts soon separate their beaks and walk together.

The Black-necked stilts became a couple!

Generally, life is good.

Great Horned Owlets - II.

The last time I saw Great Horned babies they were very small, but they have since grown and right now barely fitting in the nest.

There are three babies in the nest and they are all have different personalities.  Some are more curious and active, others are quiter.

The mother stays with her babies day and night, and the father brings food. Thus, the baby owl above was lucky to get a mouse for breakfast which it swallowed very quickly.

Generally, life is good.

Burrowing Owls - III.

 

Burrowing owls are monogamous.  Pairs may remain for one breeding season or even mate for life. Occasionally, a male may have two mates.

The male usually tries to attract the female to suitable nest site and may use special courtship flights, calls and various ways of showing his affection. Then comes copulation.

Copulation.

Once mated, the male will locate a suitable tunnel (burrow), which he lines with dried plants and feathers. 

The female will lay a clutch of eggs, typically 9 and will incubate them for 3 to 4 weeks while the male guards the burrow entrance and fetches food. 

After hatching, both parents will feed the young owlets.

Generally, life is good.

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge's 96th anniversary

 

The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge celebrated its 96th anniversary today, as well as Earth Day.  

The gate to D-Line was opened for four hours and my adventure began on the narrow dirt road and ended up in the small town Perry. 

The scenery along D-Line was beautiful and marshes attracted many birds such as coots, cormorants, ibises, yellow-headed black birds and others. 

Yellow-headed blackbird.

White-faced ibis.

Generally, life is good.