With word out about the owlets at NYBG, I had to get out to see them. Normally Owl nest sites are kept secret, very taboo to share. But these Great Horned owls made their nest in as public as a space as one can get at NYBG. Thankfully with restrictions of lawn usage, it keeps the immediate area around their nest quiet and free of crowds- although I won't lie, the garden staff asks folks to be quiet near the nest but they honk like crazy on the path loudly and continuously with trams and delivery trucks.
My husband and I checked out the grounds, not much in bloom just yet. But my very patient husband was kind enough to let me torture myself with the 500+ crappy photos I took from way across the lawn hoping to get at least one okay shot. Basically I got no okay shots, but so it goes!
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| Cropped and shot at 500mm from far across the lawn, a family of three. |
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| Tim equated the chicks to muppets. I agree, very muppet-like. |
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| Such an odd little being... |
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"Aren't owls nocturnal?"
Yes, but just like any baby, these little guys get hungry, restless, and a hand-full -- wing-full? Giving this parent lots to keep an eye on. Also, these birds are not active-- hunting, flying, etc. But they do need to be aware. I did see a red tail hawk dive at the nest area. I'm sure crows also cause trouble. So being aware, makes you a good parent and keeps your babies and nest site safe. |
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| Behind the buildings where the owl nest is, there are some ponds and swamps that boast some lovely wood ducks. This female up close even shows hints of iridescence. |
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| She is very beautiful, even compared to the flashy male. |
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| Show off. |
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| Glad to see a hairy woodpecker, this is my first for 2017. That larger, thicker bill is a sure sign this is not a downy woodpecker. |
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| A small tree collected water in between its branches where these blue jays stopped for a drink (and photo op). |
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| Some last looks before we went back to Brooklyn. |
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| The chicks were plenty busy running around, stretching their wings, and preening. |
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| Clearly this one is the favorite in this Lion King moment... |
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