Ward
had such a good night that prey was piled up in every corner of the nest
at daybreak. June had also been busy with frequent feedings throughout the
night, so that the owlets were calm and quiet as she brooded them. This,
along with warm temperatures, gave June a chance to do one of the things
she misses most during nesting season. She slipped out of the nest for an
early morning bath in a nearby brook. The owlets again engaged in a
pushing contest while she was gone, and greeted her with loud
peeping and wheezing when she returned fifteen minutes later. She entered
the nest soaking wet and resumed brooding the owlets as she is shown doing
here.
Even though Ward made no food deliveries during the day, there was still plenty of food left in the nest at sunset and the owlets appear to be doing very well.