Update on Great Horned Owls

We got our first good looks at the baby Great Horned Owl in her nest a few days ago. 

The nest is in an aleppo pine tree in our master bedroom courtyard. It has always been challenging to get a good look at the nest because it is high up in the tree and well hidden. 

It's been 10 weeks since the mom began sitting in the nest. (It was a Cooper's Hawk nest for the past couple of years).

Yesterday the Owlet left the nest and literally landed on our door step. He had "floated" down from the nest into our courtyard, landing on the "Welcome Mat" in front of our door. 

Christine talked to her for several minutes. After I took a few photos we decided to let her be. We checked back a little later and she was sitting in a flower bed.

This morning, the little one was back on the Welcome Mat in front of our door looking in, as if to say, "Where have you been?"

Also of note there was a dead half eaten sparrow in the courtyard next to the tree.

 The courtyard is fairly small, maybe 100 square feet or so. Lots of plants, so lots of places to hide if necessary. It is entirely possible that the owls nested there to provide protection from the surrounding walls for their little ones once they leave the nest. 

We are hoping that the owlet will survive, and will provide updates as they happen.