January 2017
By Bob & Roxie Pastore
To The Peak,
We live in north Scottsdale near Happy Valley Road. We live in a relatively quiet neighborhood. There are no homes behind ours. There is an outcropping of rocks that gives these owls a place that is secluded and mostly safe. We have lived here for nine years. These owls return every year.
The male and female owls start nesting in February. The male is ever-present while the female stays with her eggs. The babies are noticeable by the first week in April. By June the babies are fully grown and able to survive on their own.
These owls don’t always have four young or are not able to protect them. Last spring was the second time the owls had four babies. Baby owls are very vulnerable to birds of pray, which are the biggest obstacle to their survival.
We hope The Peak’s readers enjoy these photographs.
Bob & Roxie Pastore
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Video: The Great Horned Owl 2016 by Laurel Strohmeyer
February 1, 2017
Hi Bob & Roxie…
I’m envious!
These are some great photographs of a Great Horned Owl family. What a joy to have this family take up residence and raise their young in your back yard.
Tom Mangelsdorf