Handsome Herbert the Owlet

Watching Herbert this past week has been such a treat, and a privilege. He definitely was more undercover over the weekend with all the campers, and I was super sneaky about checking up on him. I would go early in the morning, and usually find him alone and hidden pretty good, or with mom hiding. Same thing in the evening. Finally by Sunday mid morning most everyone was gone and I found him more in the open again. He’s a smart owl, that’s for sure. I’m also pretty certain they recognize me and know I am not a threat.

When I saw him yesterday he was on this tall tree stump. Kind of a lot of branches, but it was nice to see him in the open again. He watched me, circle the tree trying to find a better vantage. This was so funny because he looked at me, then demurely raised his wing to cover part of his face.

I found the best place to observe him, and just sat on the ground enjoying watching him.

Then about 5 magpies showed up, and were flying all around him, squawking and generally making a fuss. He watched them circle, and kept on eye on them.

I hadn’t seen mom anywhere, but expected her to swoop in and run them off. Obviously they couldn’t do anything to him, but be annoying.

He did fluff out his wings though. Check out that feather pattern! Gorgeous.

He spent the rest of the day in different spots, just being out of the sun.

Just before the sun went down I went to visit him again. I knew this would be my last evening with him, because we are leaving here today. He was in a great spot, with great light. He gave me a nice last evening with him, stretching several times, grooming, and he talked to me quite a bit. Cute little chirps that will someday grow into hoots.

Yawning…I guess he was sleepy.

This. I shot these and knew I had something special.

A little grooming. And yes, those are a million little bugs around him.

Looks like a tightrope walker.

One more stretch before I lost the light completely. I was hoping to see mom come in with some food for him, but she probably waited till closer to dark.

This morning I found him and mom high on a branch together.

I’m so glad they allowed me into their world this week. What a special encounter it’s been, and one I will never forget.

Good bye Herbert and mom, live a long and safe life.