Returned to the Heron Rookery located on the West Boxford/North Andover town line on Saturday morning. The weather was spectacular with bright sun, clear skies, warm temps, and a soft breeze. On my prior visit, had a chance to locate the Great Horned Owl on nest in one of the white pines. On Saturday, my hope was to view and possibly photograph the mother and the owlets. With God’s grace, the morning was a blessing beyond description!
At first, just the mother and one owlet appeared. The mother then flew a few times in and out of the nest into nearby dense vegetation. This provided opportunities for some nice flight images. Then the second owlet appeared. The mother then spent some time on a nearby perch. She seemed to be searching and scanning for prey. She then returned to her bambinos and they all nestled together. That was my cue to leave them be and hit the gates!
For those with an interest, a series of photos are posted online for further viewing: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/142722800 Click “next” in upper right corner to advance frames!
For specifics on the location, here is the link that provided full info as well as a trail map: http://www.ecga.org/explore_and_engage/view_property/1051-carter_fields#
Carter Fields is located in an area with a significant base of conserved land owned by the town of North Andover, including the Mazurenko Farm (104 acres), Carter Hill (27 acres), and Barker Hill (55 acres). All of these parcels and Carter Fields are part of the Lake Cochichewick watershed, North Andover’s sole source of drinking water.
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.
