I've located an owl nest in an abandoned hawk nest. Can't get a good look at the adult, but the ears seem too long to be a Great Horned Owl, so I'm thinking a Long-eared Owl. But that would be rare for here. I've seen one downy head, so at least one little one. Keep in mind the wind was blowing 35 mph when these picks were taken, so the ears don't seem as tall as they do when its calm.
Rear view of the head and ears.
The face shape looks more like Great Horned to me, but not 100% sure.
Resin
I wish I could get a look at the owl perched out of the nest on a calm day. But I'm in TX now, so will be 10 days or so before I can get another look. I've watched a pair of Redtails raise in this nest for the two previous years. They moved about a 1/2 mile away, so guess the owls moved in.
The Oklahoma wind is sure curving those ear feathers that's for sure!!
Cuckoo
I vote Great Horned Owl.
Agree with Great-horned Owl, wide face compared to Long-eared Owl, plus you mentioned the nest was previously used by Red-tail's...I hope you get the chance to get lots of picture's for sure! :)
This is a GHO - looks just like the one I have in my hospital room .
Although we don't have long-eared owls in Florida, I understand their facial discs are marked with more white, and their head isn't nearly as broad & substantial looking. The Cornell Ornithology website is usually great to help with photo ID.
She's doing a great job of protecting those babies (usually 2-3), and if there's an abundant food supply, they'll all survive. These guys usually nest in January here, but I got in a hatchling just two weeks ago -- everything's late this spring because of our horrid winter...
Enjoy watching these little one branch, then fledge -- what a gift!
Chris
Critical Care Bird of Prey Rehabber
Tampa Bay
The presence of the white throat patch (GHOW), and lack of white outlining the inside of the facial disks (LEOW) make this a Great-Horned Owl. The link below takes you to a photo I took this winter of a LEOW.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/slobirdr/4292659163/sizes/m/
Thanks,
Greg
