Female Burrowing Owl on Antelope Island

 

Every spring, around April, I visit Antelope Island to watch and photograph a pair of Burrowing Owls. 

If I’m lucky, I might spot both the male and female, but on this particular day, only the female appeared. She waited patiently for her mate to return to their favorite spot.

At some point, the female grew bored and yawned—yes, owls can yawn too. It was a slow, drawn-out yawn.

After a while, she began to stretch, and she looked remarkably like a ballerina.

After preening, she shook herself vigorously and, in the blink of an eye, was transformed into a fluffy ball of feathers.

Generally, life is good.

The Burrowing Owls Have Arrived

The arrival of owls on Antelope Island is always a joyful event for me. This pair of Burrowing Owls are already in their usual place and are preparing to build a nest in the burrow.

When I arrived at their usual place, there were two of owls there, but soon one went hunting and was absent for a long time.  

Owls have such a quiet, still presence that seems to go on forever.  It’s as if they’re masters of waiting for the perfect moment.  They kind of feel wise, don't they?

Generally, life is good.

Merry Christmas!

 

Snowy Owl was photographed by wildlife photographer Dave L. Clark, on January 2024, east of Calgary.

He took this photo in the last rays of the sun, as he was traveling home.

How I wish I could be there...

Have a beautiful holiday, and may all your Christmas wishes come true.

 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.

Burrowing Owls - II. During Courtship

 

During courtship Burrowing owls engage in various behavior to strengthen the pair bond and show affection to each other. 

Owls don't kiss like humans, but sometimes express their affection in the way that closely resembles a kiss.  

During their "kiss" both owls closed their eyes and it was so touching.   

Generally, life is good.

Burrowing Owls - I.

 

This morning on Antelope Island was exceptional. I met a male and female Burrowing owls and stayed with them for almost two hours.

All this time, I watched with fascination as they preened, yawned, gave each other affection that was very reminiscent of a kiss and even their mating.

In the photo above is a female Burrowing owl, she was more active and often left the male alone, but not for long.

Sometimes the owls spent time together staying very close to each other.

The female Burrowing owl.

The male owl is stretching, making him look disheveled and a little funny.

Generally, life is good.  

 

Burrowing Owls on Antelope Island

 

Another day I spotted two Burrowing Owls and was excited to see them.  Unfortunately, the situation wasn't very desirable; the owls were far away.

Getting several sharp photos would be great but I didn't concentrate on it, I just photographed, waited for interesting moments that didn't take long time to arrive.

At some point the two owls ended up together and remained that way for quite some time. This was a priceless moment I dreamed of for a long time!

Generally, life is good!

Adult Gray Morph Eastern Screech-Owl

When I saw an owl leaning out of the bird's house, I couldn't believe my eyes, but as I came closer, I realized that I was not mistaken. 

At first, I thought I had met a Great Horned Owl but later I learned that an Eastern Screech-Owl was looking at me curiously from the round opening of the bird's house.  

Eastern Screech-Owls readily accept nest boxes and also use birdbaths and will visit them to drink and bathe.

 

Dozing with a half-closed eye, fluffy and so charming. 

Suzzane Labbe thank you very much for helping me to identify the owl!

Generally, life is good.

Learning to Be Independent

The moment I spotted the juvenile Great Horned Owl, I thought there was no way I could take a photo of him.  The Owl was hidden by dense tree branches and almost was invisible.  I stayed with him for a while, talked briefly and left.

On the way back, the Owl was still in the same tree but he changed his position and no longer napped.   This juvenile Owl flew out of the nest into the world learning how to be independent.

At some point,  the parents of this young Great Horned Owl, let the fledgling know that it was time for him to hunt on his own.  

Life goes on.

Notes to Self. Young Great Horned Owlets

Every time when I am on Antelope Island I am driving to one of Bisons' barns to visit the family of Great Horned Owls and see how their young ones are doing.

The young owls (there are two of them) became pretty big, they fly easily around the barn. 

The owlets are always under the supervision of their parents, who will feed them for the next few months and protect them from danger.

This young owl unlike his sibling was awake and active during my last visit.

  

Sometimes the owlet perched on a rope hanging from the ceiling and watched me.

Generally, life is good!