Barn Owlets (maybe in trouble?)

[Karen Drozda]

A group of us on a DFO field trip to First Creek at DEN Park, located on 56th and Pena, located the adult and 5 owlets under the light rail bridge on Saturday. I believe I posted my photo album that includes a picture of the owls. The more I got to think and discuss  the owls with other birders today I became more concerned. The adult is lying down under the chicks. It is pretty rare for an owl to sleep lying down. 

I led a trip today and was not able to check on them. If any rehabber or wild life biologist is reading this, I can disclose the exact location. PLEASE! If you go out there for photos and to see them, DO NOT STRESS THE BIRDS BY LINGERING AT THE NEST! (We all know that, correct?)

I'm hoping the parent bird is around and that they will survive. We watched them all winter (parent birds). It would be a tragedy to see these birds not survive.

[Karen Drozda]

Think the mystery has been solved. 

A member went out this afternoon and both parents were off the nest. I think mama was producing another egg yesterday and was surrounded by siblings. All five chick including the smallest one, were perched upright this afternoon. Sorry to be such a worry wart! All is well.

[Michael T]

Do to the hot temperatures and the fatigue factor of raising young owls, it would not be unusual for one owl the adults to just sack out an rest in a sternal position. It would be very unlikely for this pair to be re-clutching with young still in the nest. The energy demands for feeding five youngsters would not be conducive for egg production. She would also need to remain on the egg to brood it and that would leave to male to be sole supporter for the old kids.

Just my thoughts.

Michael Tincher
Fort Collins,CO.

On Sunday, June 11, 2017 at 6:12:34 PM UTC-6, Karen Drozda wrote: