Skywatch Friday: Our Great Horned Owls

Back in 2019 my husband decided our pasture needed a raptor roost. (Here's a link to my original post about the building of the raptor roost:  Irv's Raptor Roost)

Every summer since then we've had a pair of Swainson's hawks show up in the spring to rebuild their nest and lay eggs.  We've even had a few babies.  

We've been keeping an eye on the nest because it's about time for the hawks to return from Argentina.  We were quite surprised last weekend to see that someone else has made their home on the roost.


Some very distinguishable ears were poking out.


She was keeping a very good eye on us while we were out there working on the pole.  Thankfully she stayed in the nest and didn't fly away.


My husband received a bat house a few months ago and it was time to put it up.


Yes, there were safety issues with the ladder setup.


Underside of the nest.  The pair has done a good job of fortifying the nest.  One of Colorado's infamous hail storms would probably destroy it though.  

The big question is if the hawks will challenge the owl for the nest when they arrive back home.  Great Horned owls are notorious for stealing nests.

The gestation period for a Great Horned Owl is 35 to 37 days.  Hopefully in the next few weeks I'll be sharing pics of the owlets.    Keep your fingers crossed.

Linking with Skywatch Friday!






Comments

Spare Parts and Pics said…
LOL, I was wondering about that ladder setup! Very cool that you guys have a bat nest and raptor nest with an owl.
March 5, 2026 at 5:10 PM
Jocelyn said…
Very cool pictures.
March 5, 2026 at 7:58 PM
Penelope Notes said…
The ladder ... creative, although seemingly a little dangerous. Hope these new tenants fare well and perhaps find new digs before the owners arrive. :)
March 6, 2026 at 5:55 AM
Yogi♪♪♪ said…
Squatter, going to be interesting when the hawk shows up. Maybe it's time for another pole??

I was going to offer to let you have our extension ladder next time you visit but on second thought I would rather give or sell it to somebody I don't know. I am not sure how would be safely secured on a pole.
March 6, 2026 at 8:44 AM
Light and Voices said…
A pole for two homes. Why not? I hope all goes well.
March 7, 2026 at 12:01 PM
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