Barn Owl Siblings Great Bonding Moment

Last night several of the owlets left the house took short flights around the surrounding area. They returned to the house and soon this seldom seen bonding moment occurred. (0:08)
*** UPDATE: *** The 5 Owlets now range in age from 7 to 8 weeks. New, short videos are posted on our channel each week to allow viewers to observe the developmental changes that occur over time. The rate of growth is amazing.
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#barnowls #owls #birdwatching #nestcam #babybirds
The Owlets have matured considerably over the past 2-3 weeks. They now look more like adult Owls than babies. The white fluff has largely been shed, exposing the developing flight feathers. The heart shaped faces are much more adult like. Mom will soon begin teaching the Owlets flight and hunting skills. She will supervise from a nearby perch and vocalize instructions, including warning of any approaching danger. During the night, the Owlets will also continue to receive food/prey from the parents. The Owlets return to the interior of the Owl House each night, before dawn, where they rest until the next evening and return to the deck. This process may continue for weeks.
Athena And Adonis' First Egg Hatched March 7th, And The Last Egg Hatched March 15th.
Located in a semi-rural north coastal region of San Diego County in California(PST), this recently erected Barn Owl house was first visited by owls, Athena and Adonis, on December 20, 2023. It is my hope to share the opportunity to observe a pair of Barn Owls during the reproductive season (typically January to June) as they court, bond, lay eggs and raise their young to the time of fledging (usually 10-12 weeks after hatching). With the use of IR lighting, which is not visible to human or owl eyes, the Barn Owls can be observed 24 hours a day.
Eggs are generally laid one every 2-3 days, for a total of 4-6 eggs. Incubation period is typically 31-32 days, with eggs hatching days apart consistent with when they were laid. Once eggs have been laid, the female will generally stay at the nest full time. The male will hunt Mice, Rats, and Rabbits to provide food for the female and babies. Barn Owls tend to be most active hunting after dusk and before dawn.
I hope you enjoy visiting the Barn Owl Couple, Athena and Adonis, as they create their new family.
** WARNING **
Nature can be cruel. Like many wildlife species, Barn Owls hunt, kill, and eat their prey. This may even include their own species at times.

[@kenn1936]

thank you for sharing these fabulous moments 😛

[@johnc1961]

Thank you for commenting on many of the videos kenn. I know @Erics Owls enjoys reading them and usually responds.

[@Erics-Owls]

Thanks you kenn for spending time with us and for commenting. It is always nice to get feedback. Part of my incentive in creating this channel was to educate, not just entertain. I believe that is happening. Very gratifying!

[@kenn1936]

@@Erics-Owls I wish more had tuned in to see the Owl family. If the videos are left up, more people will come across them. I am very grateful for being able to see them grow and get confident to get out on that platform. What l love seeing was their way of focusing (I assume it is their way), when their head turns all the way round and upside down, trying to focus in on things. They were looking at the lens on quite a few occasions. Maybe the light from outside caught on the lens ?? They took notice at times. Then when they started to jump and stretch their wings, inside, practicing their ballet moves ( I call it). So cute.

[@Erics-Owls]

I too enjoy that head motion that almost appears upside down. Looks very inquisitive. We are happy you are enjoying the Owls, and yes, the videos will stay up. Plans are already forming to make next family season even a little better, but don’t think this season is over. There is still more to enjoy over the next weeks.

[@kenn1936]

@@Erics-Owls fabulous. I look forward to seeing more.