| As I watched the owlets try to hunt shortly after sunset, they reminded me just how long and difficult the learning process is. Picking the right spot and waiting for the perfect moment seems to come easy for Ward and June, but is still beyond the owlet's ability. The one in the upper picture picked a good spot, but did not have the patience to wait for the right moment. It whirled around and tried to pounce on a chipmunk as soon as it came into view; only to see it scamper away into the underbrush. An adult would have watched and waited until the chipmunk was preoccupied with something else before pouncing. The owlet in the lower picture attempted to hunt with its back to potential prey, but made so much noise turning around to pounce that the potential meal easily escaped. I'm sure they do better after dark when their night vision gives them an advantage and their prey is a bit less difficult than the squirrels, chipmunks and birds that so often escape them in daylight. They are, however, learning valuable lessons from their daytime attempts and will be much better hunters in a couple of months. For now, they are lucky that they can still rely on Ward and June to help out when they are in trouble. |
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Back To: Summer 2000