4, 5 May

4 May

 eBird data: https://ebird.org/checklist/S87111052

Weather:  7 am 9C wind WNW 6  12 m 13C wind NNE 11, cloudy, and showers, then clearing

Tide:  10 am 3.2 m, turning

5 May

eBird data:  https://ebird.org/checklist/S87181931

Weather:  7 am 7C wind calm,  12 m  12 C wind NE 4 overcast

Tide:  9:30 am 2.8m turning

Two relatively quiet days, both featuring the great horned owl family.

Yesterday morning (it's now the evening of May 5) started with more or less dense clouds, but the likelihood of clearing.  I set out, only to find that within ten minutes, the clouds had consolidated into what looked like a serious threat of rain.   I continued,  with my camera's raincoat, a purportedly waterproof pair of binoculars and a reasonably ok rain jacket.  Sure enough it rained, but then it cleared to a gloriously sunny day.  

It was still rather soggy when I reached the junction of the trail to the Straits and the path into the woods where I knew the owls nested.  As I approached, a bald eagle soared into the owl's territory.  Immediately, intense hooting broke out.  I feared the worst for the owlet, knowing that bald eagles will prey on any nesting bird.  (But not an easy pick with parents with a 35 pound grip in their talons and a beak that can dismantle a rabbit--not a bunny-- a proper rabbit--in a matter of minutes.  Owls are pretty tough.)

But who to my wondering eyes should appear, but--three owlets in various stages of fledging and an adult roosting beneath the entrance of the nest.  One of the owlets was on his nest, as usual, and two of the owlets were on a branch near the top of the snag, 



...note that the right-hand owlet has much more developed wing feathers.  Of which more shortly.

Adult owl looked "cleared for action,"  ears down, eyes focused,  and ready to deal with eagle.


... I'm happy to note that no further confrontations were necessary.

5 May owl update

Today, wondering what I'd find, I could see two owlets (one may have been down in the nest cavity).  One was sitting on the edge of the nest, and one looked to be snoozing on a tree about 20 feet distant!


This youngster looks quite well fledged--one of the two on the branch on the day before, but he really looked to be sound asleep.  I'm wondering if the exertions of a first flight had left him/her sleepy.    Anyhow, I'm assuming that all was well with the Owl Family this morning.

Apart from the Owl Saga, the Estuary continues to bloom.

The morning light renders the woods magical.


Even with clouds (maybe especially with clouds) the new growth enchants. 



The river is swift and clear with the run-off from Arrowsmith,





and the forest on either side is increasingly verdant.

....

A final episode.  By chance I met up with a co-broomer at the path leading into (or out of) the Straits on my way out.  We chatted, and paused so I could show her the chickadee nest I've been monitoring.  In the channel running beside the Merganser pond, there was the goldfinch I'd first seen the day before, apparently contemplating a bath. 


It appeared to us both that a conflict had arisen from the new visitor and one of the siskins who have spent the winter here.



I guess being here first must count for something in the bird world?

Tomorrow is a brooming day, although the weather forecast looks ominous.  




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