The Owl Pages Forum

Ann Schmidt · Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Posts: 51 Location: La Mesa, Ca. 91942

I've noticed on one of the BOs in my area this patch of dark on the breast. The other one of the pair doesn't have this. I was wondering if this is perhaps a brood patch? Don't know if that is the correct term but I figured aomebody on this esteemed forum would knew. Thanks for any input! Now let's see if I can attach the link correctly.....[img]

[/img]

owlboy · Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 11:42 pm Post subject:

The patch is very odd. I don't think I have seen this before.

I suppose it is possible that it might be stain from a fence, a burn mark, or some other mark caused by the environment. But, that doesn't seem too likely either.

Not sure what to think about it.
_________________
Always looking for Owls in Greene County NY

Ann Schmidt · Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Posts: 51 Location: La Mesa, Ca. 91942

That's what I thought. I've seen this same owl for the last 2 summers. I didn't notice the mark last season, but it was there the first one. That's what lead me to the conclusion it's the female. I have a lot of pictures of the male bringing food while she was in the tree with the eggs/owlets. He let me get quite close as I was outside almost nightly. When they both were hunting & chicks were bigger, she would fly off when I came outside. I'm also thinking something may have happened to him. I hadn't seen either of them since the end of Feb. And her showing up the last 2 nights alone,either "she" is a "he" and is just out hunting or she is looking for a mate OR neither and she's hunting also. Quite intriguing little mystery I have on my hands! Hopefully I can solve it! Thanks for trying to help me!

owlboy · Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 12:11 am Post subject:

If the male dies during nesting season, then the female will hunt and take care of the owlets. Sooner or later, she will find a new mate.

The mark is odd, but I am sure there is an explanation.

Normally, they would perceive you as a threat. But, over time they will become more comfortable with you. Now, you can go outside, and they don't feel threaten by your presence.
_________________
Always looking for Owls in Greene County NY

Ann Schmidt · Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Posts: 51 Location: La Mesa, Ca. 91942

They definitely were used to me. It was the other one I could get really close to. Of course now that I have a better camera, They've moved out of my palm tree(just my luck!). Oh well, I'll keep looking and see what happens. If the female is hunting for chicks, how do they stay warm when they're real small? Huddle together? She can't be out too long, can she? I guess that's nature's way.

owlboy · Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2010 1:22 am Post subject:

When one mate dies, it makes it very difficult for the other mate. Survival becomes difficult. Great Gray Owls are known to just about starve themselves to death to ensure that their owlets grow up strong. Even when there are two mates. Chicks come first, and the parents come last.
_________________
Always looking for Owls in Greene County NY