Wildlife Photographer’s Journal: Great-Horned Owl Nest 2013

Posted in Around the Garden on May 22 2013, by Patricia Gonzalez

Although I have been photographing wildlife at The New York Botanical Garden since 2008, March 17th, 2012 was my last sighting of a Great-horned Owl. Since that time, during my frequent forays into the Thain Family Forest I could clearly hear them hooting, but have had zero luck in spotting them. But then this April, they made their reappearance when it became clear that one of the female owls had hatched two owlets.

After spending some time peering out of the hole they called home, the two fuzzy owlets stepped out into the world where hundreds of visitors were able to clearly see them from our narrated Tram. Bird watchers and wildlife photography enthusiasts enjoyed being able to observe these young hunters in their natural environment. They were a hit with children as for many, it was their first time seeing an owl. Here’s a partial timeline of my latest wildlife adventure.

Wednesday, April 3 I had just finished my shift and decide to cut through the Forest on my way out, when I heard the distinct hooting of an owl. I look up and there she is. She sticks around long enough for me to take this one photo before taking off.

Friday, April 5 I try my luck again, arriving at the Garden about an hour before my shift begins. I walk through the same area where I saw the owl earlier that week and find her in about five minutes.

Sunday, April 7 You know what they say about the third time being the charm? I see the owl in the same area. I begin to suspect that the she is there for a reason. There has to be a nest nearby. After looking around a bit, I think I find it. I pass my thoughts, photos, and video to Jessica Arcate-Schuler, Director of the Thain Family Forest. It turns out what I have photographed is actually a sleeping raccoon. Wrong tree!

But, in fact, a nest has been discovered, and in order to keep the owls safe and stress free, it is decided to keep the exact location quiet until the owlets fledge. So I relegate my nest observations to early morning or after the Garden closes.

Tuesday, April 9 I visit the Forest again and hit the mother lode. Mamma owl had just killed a squirrel and has it pinned down. I also find the nest tree with two fluffy heads peering through the hole. What cuties!

Thursday, April 18 I arrive at the Garden earlier than normal to attend a special training session, so I stop by to check on the young hunters. One of the owlets is perched just outside of the nest hole on a branch. Hello world! Its sibling is still inside, not quite ready for the world just yet.

Sunday, April 21 Drama in the Forest. Two photographers that I had met earlier that morning tell me that a Red-tailed Hawk had landed close to the owlet. That’s when two adult Great-horned Owls fly out, landing nearby. The stare-down begins with the hawk eventually flying off. Two adult owls? This is news. Mamma owl became a single mom when her mate disappeared in February. Could she have a new beau?

Monday, April 23 The owlet on the branch isn’t there when I get to the Forest this morning. The other owlet is still inside the nest however.

Tuesday, April 24 The nest is empty! The second owlet has stepped out to join his sibling. Hello Forest! It is perched on a nearby branch when I arrive and is still there at 6:15 p.m. when I leave.

Friday, April 26 The second owlet is slowly going further into the Forest. Every time I look, he’s in a different tree now. I see him at 7 a.m. and I check in around 6:15 p.m. before going home. He is deep in the trees this time. I have a feeling that soon he will be joining his sibling in moving on to bigger and better adventures.

Want a chance to see the owls for yourself? Join one of our free weekly Saturday morning bird walks! They’re a great introduction to the wonders of birding. Beginners as well as longtime twitchers are welcome. Bring your binoculars and meet at 11 a.m. at the Leon Levy Visitor Center Reflecting Pool. Wondering why we’re publishing this nearly a month after the fact? We wanted to give the owlets time to fledge before divulging their location!