The Longest Day

June was gambling that Ward would be able to make one more catch before dawn when she divided the last mouse between Wally and Theodore at five o'clock yesterday morning. It can take a long time for Ward to catch a meal because he has to pick the spot he thinks is best and wait for his prey to happen by. Luck was not with him yesterday, and the owlets were forced to go without food for more than eighteen hours. The whining and wheezing was ceaseless as June stared up at the sky and hoped for that daring daylight delivery that did not come. If it is possible for an owl to have a sore throat, Wally would have one today. When Ward finally did show up at 10pm, he did not bring food. He left after a very quiet exchange with June and did not return until after midnight. I may have discovered the source of Ward's recent hunting problems when a Great Horned Owl hooted from the distance at midnight. This owl is the most deadly enemy of the Barred Owl, and would quickly kill and eat Ward if he got the chance. Ward is therefore forced to do his hunting in less productive areas that are not being used by the Great Horned Owl. Fortunately, this owl is not a frequent visitor to Ward and June's territory and should move on soon. Ward must have found better alternate hunting grounds last night, as he made three silent deliveries between 12:30am and 5:00am. Some must have been pretty big as I could hear June chomping through bones and the owlets eating for the rest of the night. The owlets are quiet now and June has one and a half mice to get her through the day. (10am)

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