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.