Ward spent
this rainy day on the high perch near the nest box where he often roosted
during nesting season. This was the first time that I have seen any of the
owls since early June. There were no other owls in sight, but the fussing
of smaller birds nearby suggested that at least one other owl might be in
the area. With plenty of prey and young owls that are almost self
sufficient, this is one of the easiest times of the year for Ward. He
looked unusually content and ignored potential prey scurrying around on
the ground below him.The owlets have now been out of the nest for almost two months and should be catching most of their own food. They will look very much like adults, but could still be distinguished by slightly fuzzy faces and heads. They will also be wheezing rather than using adult calls. First-year owls usually stay in their parent's territory until fall, when they strike out on their own. I hope that Ward's visit signals their return to the area, and will post any sightings.