New Kids on the Block -Burrowing Owls Chics

Every May, the Burrowing Owls produce a litter of little chics. They usually have anywhere from three to six little owlettes. I dropped by one nest today to see if there was any action. Well I observed four little chics popping in and out of the nest. They were very entertaining. Here are a few captures from this morning. There are at least three nest with chics in the area. Always fun to watch . Enjoy.

Momma (or maybe popa) on Watch...

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif'

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif'

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif'

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif'

Great captures Keith....these are the cutest little owls.

That expression in that second shot reminds me of one of the Muppet characters

Lot's of fun to watch these guys. I never saw any when I lived in Florida, but there were tons of them in New Mexico. They either took over dog burrows, or they co-habitated with them.

Wonderful shots. I wish I could get some this good. The ones I know of are way too skittish and I've only been able to get marginal shots.

Really awesome shots and to get that close must have been a thrill. Were you using a blind? What lens?

Schell wrote in post #7884904
Really awesome shots and to get that close must have been a thrill. Were you using a blind? What lens?

These guys actually take up residence in our neighborhood. They have become quite adaptive to people. Most times I just lay on the ground with a car mat about 10 feet from the burrow. I use the 100-400L. While I was shooting these, One of the adults flew about a foot from my face and picked up a bug and brought it to the little ones. He was way too close for me to photograph and I was surprised at how close he came to me...

How cute! I didn't see any young ones when I was there.
Karen

Great shots, Keith. I always enjoyed the young ones when they started flying around. They would almost land on my bicycle.

canonloader wrote in post #7884841
Lot's of fun to watch these guys. I never saw any when I lived in Florida, but there were tons of them in New Mexico. They either took over dog burrows, or they co-habitated with them.

These don't live around Miami, Mitch, but in a small area around Punta Gorda.

Cute little guys.. #3 is my fav... Nicely done..

pttenn wrote in post #7885298
How cute! I didn't see any young ones when I was there.
Karen

Late April, Early May is when the usually are born.

sparker1 wrote in post #7885398
Great shots, Keith. I always enjoyed the young ones when they started flying around. They would almost land on my bicycle.

Stan, Up until two years ago, I could watch them from my Lanai...this was when the building boom was strong....Once the little ones had hatched and left, the lot owner came in and filled the burrow and the next day a "For Sale Sign went up.....

He could not build there as long as that nest was there.....Seems like there are more nest this year than last...time will tell....This year there was also a Great Horned Owls nest right in the middle of PGI....they took over the eagles nest....Do you ever get back to these parts?

Beautiful selection, Keith. What a pleasure it must've been to watch them