 Barred owlets
develop the climbing and perching skills that they need to survived
outside the nest some time between their third and fourth week. Rufus is
now four weeks old and June seems to think he is ready. After yesterday's
"fox delay", she has resumed her efforts to coax them out by
spending much of this rainy morning perched on the rail. She has teased
them by dangling several small prey items just out of their reach and
called to them many times. So far, only Rufus has responded with a
successful leap to the door, but returned to the floor after only fifteen
seconds. Rufus could not make it to the door at all yesterday in spite of
several tries, and seems to forget how without the coaxing of adults. The
others are flapping their wings and trying hard, but no success yet. It is
scheduled to clear later today, which should trigger more activity. If you
should ever encounter a four-week-old barred owlet, this
is the sound you will hear. It will be the young owl's primary (and
perhaps only) call throughout its first summer. |