The oldest owlet

I hadn't been downtown for many years, but two days ago (16 March 2014), I had the chance to meet several friends for a birding walk at Pearce Estate, along the Bow River. After the walk, we carpooled to nearby downtown, hoping to find the Great Horned Owl family that people have been seeing. It was a much longer walk than I was expecting, but we were so lucky to find them, and not where I had been expecting them to be. As is often the case, Mom (?) and the three owlets were high up in different trees, not posing too well for most of the time, and not in good light. This owlet, the oldest owlet of the family, had its back to me, but did eventually turn its head slightly, so I was able to get this shot. The ice in that area was so treacherous, so I moved as little as possible, and extremely cautiously. A real treat to see this little family, though, and so early in the year! Mom must have laid the eggs around 1st January, as the owlets were pretty much adult-sized and either branched or fledged. Most unusual - wonder why this happened. We were half expecting the family to have moved from this particular area, but were so relieved to find that they hadn't.

Thanks so much, Dorothy and Stephen, for giving me a ride to downtown and back to my car! Without it, I would not have had the chance to see these precious little owls. Thanks also for the coffee and a treat afterwards - amazing how much better coffee tastes after walking for a few hours! It really hit the spot : )