Great Horned Owl on nest – West Boxford

March 29, 2014 in Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl on nest in the Carter Fields Conservation Area in West Boxford appears to be sitting a bit higher.  This suggests that she may have hatched her egg or eggs and we need to await the appearance of the first owlet in the days ahead!  Great Blue Herons have returned to this rookery, but in much smaller numbers than any in any recent years.  Looks like many of the nests were blown down over the winter.  Stay tuned!

Great Horned Owl & owlet – Methuen

March 29, 2014 in Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl and little one continue at the Methuen Heron Rookery.  So far, no indications of another owlet, but we will keep a sharp eye open for other one!  No sign of Papa Bear.  The rookery is now filling up with Great Blue Herons returning to the rookery and chasing each other in normal courtship behavior.  Stay tuned!

Great Horned Owl, Methuen – Mother and owlet!

March 26, 2014 in Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl on nest in Methuen has at least one owlet in the nest.   The nest is located at the Great Blue Heron Rookery adjacent to Nevins Farm MSPCA and the Methuen Rail Trail in Methuen.  The first sighting of the mom on nest was Feb. 12.  It looks like the owlet may be close to 2 weeks old.  When Great Horned Owl eggs hatch, the downy owlets are the size of newborn chickens. Their mother broods them day and night. A few weeks later, the owlets can be left alone while both adults resume hunting at twilight. Great Horned Owl young remain in the nest for about six weeks, then climb out onto nearby branches. They begin taking short flights at seven weeks, and can fly well at 9-10 weeks.

Great Horned Owl: West Boxford Heron Rookery

March 11, 2014 in Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl continues on nest in the Great Blue Heron Rookery.  No Herons have arrived yet an the number of Heron nests in place from last year has been reduced dramatically.  Many of the trees have been blown or have fallen over as well.  It will be interesting to see what happens when the herons return this year!

Great Horned Owl – on nest Methuen rookery!

March 9, 2014 in Great Horned Owl

The female Great Horned Owl continues on the nest located in the Heron Rookery in Methuen by the bike path.  She sits low in the nest and stays put through all types of weather.  She will get an A+ for her dedication!  Stay tuned!

Great Horned Owl, on nest, Methuen Heron Rookery

February 24, 2014 in Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl remains on nest with the surrounding snow on the nest melted away after a warm weekend.  With egg or eggs laid around second week in February, we hope to see owlets around St. Patrick’s Day in March.  Stay tuned!

Great Horned Owl, female on nest!!

February 19, 2014 in Great Horned Owl

One of the many exciting signs of spring is finding a Great Horned Owl on nest.  These Owls are among the earliest nesting birds in our area.  They usually lay eggs somewhere around Feb. 14 and the normal incubation period is approximately 28-30 days.  The female  performs the incubation duties in all kinds of crazy weather!  She may even be found covered with snow as she is most determined to protect her eggs!  Stay tuned as we monitor this nest in the Great Blue Heron rookery near the Methuen Rail Trail in Methuen over the next many weeks!!

Great Horned owlet

April 18, 2013 in Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned owlet was observed moving around the nest and looking out in multiple directions with head turning to track nearby birds.  Then it seemed to go into a laying low position, kind of cat and mouse or hide and seek.  It certainly blends in with the nest and nearby tree limbs.  At this point, the owlet is probably between 3-4 weeks old.

3 photos posted:  http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/149752734   Click “next” in upper right to advance frames…enjoy!

Great Horned owlet solo in nest

April 17, 2013 in Great Horned Owl

Another visit to the owlet and nice views in beautiful morning light.  Note the ear tufts are just starting to become pronounced on the top of the head.  Also seen moving head side to side and up and down.  What a cutey with bright yellow eyes!

Great Horned owlet

April 16, 2013 in Great Horned Owl

This is first time the owlet was observed without mother in the nest.  Mother not seen nearby at all.  The owlet is starting to gain size and is very alert.  the bill is more pronounced and eyes more open.