GHO male. This is the father of the previous owlets I’ve posted. His mate was on another Saguaro and we saw them both at the same time. In all the years I’ve observed this spot, I’ve rarely seen a male. He’s not sleeping here – he was very alert as to the coyote below the nest. He stayed awhile after the coyote left and then flew off. But I’m sure he was still close by

3 Great Horned Owlets. Mom left for awhile. That space is getting crowded.

Mama GHO just wanted to rest on a nearby Saguaro and watch the nest with her three owlets in a close-by Saguaro. But a group of Mockingbirds kept dive-bombing her, over and over. No rest when those aggressive Mockingbirds don’t want someone around.

Memories of previous years – Crown King Reservoir. The road was clear enough in those days although 4×4 sure helped.

Great Horned Owls, Mom and three Owlets. Getting a bit crowded. The Owlets will probably fledge soon.

OK, lousy photo but interesting story. In this shot, Owlets are in the nest in the Saguaro, and you can see a silver of it on the right. Mama Owl is on the right Saguaro in the background. Papa Owl is on the Saguaro on the very left. We watched them and we knew who was who.

Mama was on the nest, then left and flew to the Saguaro in the background on the right in the photo. A coyote showed up beneath the owlets in the Saguaro with the nest. Coyote walked around in the bush beneath. He couldn’t get to the youngsters of course, but Mama Owl was upset. That’s when Papa Owl showed up and flew to the Saguaro on the left. Coyote left as soon as Papa showed up.

Eventually, after a few more flights, Mama flew back to the nest, Papa flew to another Saguaro. Everything then calmed down, Mama stayed with the kids, Papa hung around awhile and left, no coyote anymore.

I’ve heard the male hangs around even if we can’t see him, and I sure believe it. Mother Nature at her best.

Scott’s Oriole

Acorn Woodpecker

I love the Coot babies at Veteran’s Oasis and look forward to them each spring.

One more of the little Elf Owl. Hereford, AZ. About 8 PM