Sleepy owlet Valentine wears his heart on his face. (Click to enlarge and see Valentine better).
Mama has left him, and it is his first day alone, out of his nesting box.
Valentine doesn’t know what to do,
so he decides to fly down near the human,
watch her out of one eye,
until he falls asleep, clinging to his cactus bed.
Cheers to you from Valentine the confused little owlet~
Note: We have a barn owl nesting box at The Holler, usually woodpeckers nest in it, but this spring a barn owl family actually moved in. Valentine is their chick. I kept an eye on him for his first 24 hours out of the box, which was easy because he seemed quite unafraid of me. I think he was a bit shocked and confused. He passed his second night last night, and I could hear him in the oak groves. Today I haven’t seen him, but have heard him in the trees, so I think he is starting to figure things out.
What a wonderful photo story on a little barn owl chick, Cindy!
Oh, thank you very much! It is 109F today which is a heat record. I had a sprinkler going for the birds in the afternoon and I heard Valentine occasionally, but have still not seen him which I think is progress.
Owls are such magnificent birds. We have a little guy who likes to hang out on our shed. But he’s fully grown. I could watch them for hours ❤️🦉
This is the closest I have ever gotten to an owlet, and it was quite a thrill. At The Holler, I hear The Great Horned Owls nightly and I can see them on our roof, and I heard this chick in his box every night, all night, but this is the closest one has ever let me get. He was quite unfazed by me!
You’re so lucky to be surrounded by such beauty! One day, I will have to come out there, just to experience everything in all its splendor 🙂
This is way too cool Cindy! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for appreciating Valentine. He’s amazing. He bobbed on the cacti, like owlets do!
What a beautiful bird, and a great post.
So kind of you. Have a wonderful weekend!
An outstanding member of your circle of very fine feathered friends.
Isn’t he wonderful. I could not believe how close he let me get, and then he just fell asleep in front of me! Priceless.
Life can be overwhelming for a baby bird at first. I love owls. Sweet pics!
I can only imagine. I am still watchful and overwhelmed for him <3
I struggle between watching and knowing about nature (all the animals) and at the same wanting to turn away because it can be so heartbreaking that I don’t want to know anything.
Sweet little guy! I hope he does okay on his own.
I do too. It seems like an incredibly steep, sink or thrive, learning curve, poor little guy.
He’s a lucky little owl to have you around! Am reblogging this to my sister site “Timeless Wisdoms”
Ahhh, Valentine and I are grateful for your concern. He wears his <3 on his face, sweet little guy….
That expression was so familiar — he looked JUST like I do when I need a nap 😆
Awwww, You are blessed, Cindy, by the presence of these little creatures in your life. How wonderful to watch them and “keep an eye on” them. Little Valentine is gorgeous. <3 I love owls.
Owls are the most mysterious birds to me. They are always around at The Holler, but I only catch glimpses of them, until little Valentine came out of his nest box, and changed everything. I hope the parents nest here every year.
how absolutely precious he is! i hope that he is okay –
Yes. I put some chicken out for him, just because I am a worry wort, and there is water too, so here’s hoping…..
Superb images, Cindy.
I can see every little feather. Hope she/she keeps safe in this first week of public life.
I know it is a very dangerous time for a little owl. He was smart to stay inside our fence and near me for the first 24 hours. Hopefully, he continues to catch on fast….
Pingback: Baby Valentine – Timeless Wisdoms
Isn’t he sweet! What an exciting fledging – congrats on providing the habitat, Cindy! and Good luck, Valentine!
He needs your good luck. It is a tough world out here, but I am heartened by hearing, and not seeing him last night and today. It hopefully means he is learning and hiding.
He is gorgeous! You captured some great photos!
Thanks so much & I am very happy you like him <3
You’re welcome!
Amazing pictures (to one who lost touch with nature just after childhood, and has to work to get it back). Your comments fit so well. Very nice!
Ahhh, thank you so much. I find, the longer I live, the more I return to the things I loved most in childhood. It feels like coming full circle, back to who I really am, before adulthood and all that bother.
What a cutie! And how clever of you to get such stunning photos. But why am I surprised?
It was his choice. When I opened the window to take photos, I thought he would fly. He didn’t.
When I opened the door and stepped out, I thought he would fly. He didn’t. When I step by slow step walked up to him, I thought he would fly, but he didn’t. Eventually, I decided I wouldn’t go any closer, and he just fell asleep <3 <3
Wow, Great pictures! Good luck to little Valentine.
Amen to that. Gods Speed Valentine <3
Precious… <3
<3 🦉 <3
He’s really cute. They just get left on their own like that? Our Great Horned Owls stick together as a family even after the owlets can easily fend for themselves. People say we have barn owls in Corrales, but I’ve never seen one.
We have both Great Horned and Barn Owls. The GHO’s call most nights on our roof, but I rarely see them, and usually only at night. Barn owlets basically receive no parental instruction. They are left on their own, with instinct hopefully kicking in to figure out what to do. It is a record heat day at The Holler today, 109F, so I worry about Valentine. I will know if he has made it to a 3rd night, if I hear his calls after dark tonight.
We see the GHO’s almost every evening, and they perch in the cottonwoods around our house and hoot back and forth all night long, so we get hooting in surround sound.
If you hoot in series back at them, and it is credible, they will call back.
If you don’t get out of the way after this, they will silently swoop you, riffling you hair, making sure you go back inside, because after all, they are the only master airborne predators of the night.
What nice colouring he has. Do the mother owls not teach them to hunt, or is it all instinct?
The barn owlet is left on his own to figure things out and receives little to no parental training. They hopefully learn by instinct but I can see first hand how disorienting it must be.
The ways of the natural world sometimes amaze me.
We are an inextricable part of it and it is fascinating 🦉
So cute photo!
Thank you & cheers to you!
oh Cindy – this is a fun thing to have happen in your area – to host this owl family – how fun and the crisp photos are wonderful – can feel the hairs and can also feel the youth.
had a road trip last month and my mom and I saw an owl landing – gliding down – with legs drooped a bit – it was cool
Oh, wonderful for you and your mom! I always feel extraordinarily fortunate when I see an owl in the wild. They are these incredible stealth, fast, precision fliers, that can see us perfectly, when we are utterly blinded by the night.
yeah = you summed it up well.
We were on a short road trip (our best one ever) and the gps just rerouted if we missed a turn (that is not okay at times because it can get way too long and so the next time i missed a turn I did a U-turn and went back to the route )- anyhow at one point we ended up on a very narrow road and it had a pipeline to the left and the GPS kept saying we were on track (and we were – but it was a little slower for that small stretch) and then we saw wildlife – including the owl dropping down –
🙂
So getting lost helped you to find where the wild things were! How cool is that! If people try to follow GPS to get to The Holler, it leads them to a dirt road and open range with cattle and one very intimidating Ankole Watusi bull! Maybe the wild things know to go where the people don’t.
well we were never really lost – just took a slower road heading the the right direction –
if that makes sense.
and oh wow – I can imagine folks arriving to meet the Ankole Watusi bull….
wow –
and GPS is not perfect – but I heard Google maps and directions are the best option….
and will be what I use next time – like they even give on the minute updates for accidents and weather – so astute
How sweet. Such great shots you captured!
Thank you Carrie & cheers my friend <3
Oh, my goodness! He is adorable and your photos of him are priceless!!!
I stopped getting closer at around 6 feet. I felt any closer would be wrong. I wonder if he ever would have flown away…..
I think mama might have caught you and been unhappy even if Valentine didn’t understand the risk. Better to be safe for both your sake.
I thought of that, but she is not around. Barn Owlets are taught no survival skills by the parentals. They are left to rely on instinct and good luck. I am hedging the bets for him, with water because today is the hottest day in The Holler since we have lived here, which has been ten years, 109F. Not a good day for an owlet to try and learn how to survive.
It’s getting hotter here too. Portland, Oregon never saw these kinds of temps for prolonged periods before. ;( Keeping good thoughts for Valentine.
I hear the heat is hitting Europe too.
But there is no global warming, right? Silly people. Take care and stay cool.
Denial is definitely alive and well in the USA…..
He is adorable! Thanks for sharing those wonderful photos of him. 🙂
Ahh, thank you more for loving him as I do <3
Good owl momma Cindy! Can Valentine feed himself at that age?
So, today is the hottest day at The Holler since the ten years we have lived here, 109F for much of the afternoon. 90F now at 10pm. This was the day for Valentine to get over the shock of the past 24 hour abandonment, and have hunger drive him to hunt. But all the birds are panting with open beaks. I keep the bird baths full and add ice, and have the sprinkler run at the peak of the heat for the birds. Not a good day for a owlet to try, try and try, unsuccessfully mostly normally, to hunt. But now the rodents just stay out of the sun in their burrows.
Barn owlets are not taught to survive, they learn, or don’t, by luck and instinct.
I hear him on top of the owl box right now, and used a flashlight and see him. He is calling for his mother.
That’s tough. Poor little guy… 🙁
Beautiful.
Yes. He is so! <3
How adorable!!! Do birds just fly right up to you and tweet “take my picture please?” They must because you always get the most amazing photos of them. Hugs and love, N 🙂 <3 xoxoxoxoxo
Maybe they have some sense that this strange human loves them beyond reason. Hugs and love flying back to you, in bunches, sweet friend. <3 <3
Ya know it could just be the case!!!❣️😘❤️🌹xoxoxo
Cindy the Mother just leaves it???doesn’t stay to teach it???
Valentine is here. It is 10 pm, night three. I heard him calling near the nest box, and broke my rule to make sure it was him, using a flashlight. He is here. He is alive.
Night three.
Everything is complicated by the heatwave hitting The Holler now. Hottest it has been in the ten years we have lived here. The birds are all panting. The rodents are hiding in burrows. All afternoon the thermometer stuck at 109F. Ice was added to the bird baths, and hummingbird feeders, a single sprinkler was turned on full, cooling a large area.
I am so happy to see him back, but the food I left him is untouched. He doesn’t know what it is.
Basically, I get to watch, and hope he is all right. If he isn’t, and I see him dying, I get to call and have him confiscated by wildlife protectors.
This is EXACTLY the same thing as being a human mother to human children.
You wait, watch, hope, try to help, and call in the mounties if bad stuff happens.
<3 <3
oh dear…I will pray….. sending more love your way… keep sharing.. xxxx
<3 <3 <3
Aww! So sweet, li’l owlet, and your tale and pics of it. His little newby self with that heart face, and those soft white fluff tufts of his . . . ! Thanks as always for sharing, Cindy. ‘Tis Adorable!!
Yes. There is such complicated beauty in vulnerability. Thank you for seeing it <3
It’s a big, scary world out there… some days all I want to do is cling to my cactus bed too!
Oh my God!
You Get it!
So VERY happy you do <3
You made me smile and laugh too.
Precious, just precious. Poor little guy. I hope the world will be kind to him.
We know each other, which means we know the odds about the kindness of the world. The amazing thing to me, is how often cruel odds, are defied in a non-probabilistic way, by beauty and kindness.
Love to you my friend who knows <3 .
What a sweetie. He did choose rather a prickly perch though. Hope he has found something more comfortable by now.
Cacti make good beds, because you can easily see, where the thorns are.
It is 10:28 PM right now at The Holler. The temp is staying at 90F. In the afternoon it was 109F.
This is good night time cooling from this hottest Holler day ever, during the 10 years we have lived here.
But it is not good conditions for the 3rd night of a little owlet’s life.
He, is here now though, crying for his mother, atop the owl box where he was born.
Which is great, he is alive.
Wishing him all the best. 🙂
<3 <3
Ah, he is so sweet, beautiful pixs, Cindy, glad to know he is safe and learning to become a wise owl 😊
That is it, isn’t it. He will learn, if the odds are in his favor, to be a wise old owl <3
Sooooo cute again! Fantastic, the animals trust in you, so they come near. They can feel, that you are a kind person and no danger for them. Amazing creation! Love & greetings! 💗
I well remember being repeatedly educated as a child with the scientific fact, that animals had no true sentience or emotions, and ascribing human emotions/sentience to them was anthropomorphism, an example of human hubris.
Obviously, these scientists, didn’t spend much time among wild creatures.
Isn’t it wonderful to play a small part in these creatures’ lives. Stunning photos as usual! Xxx
Yes! It is such an important privilege.
I felt the same way doing psychotherapy.
It felt like a sacred trust which you daresn’t screw up.
Beautiful!
He is. Wild things are. <3
The mama usually helps feed them for a few months. I bet you’ll see her parents around. She is beautiful
Wonderful news and yes, she is so beautiful and I hope you are right!
But most barn owlets must learn on their own, and if they stay around too long, the mother will drive them out of her territory
https://www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-facts/owlets-young-barn-owls/
Oh they must be different from barred owls who are fed by mom for a few months. I got confused. I had a pair that lived in my back tree and the mom fed them for 2 months until they learned on their own. It was awesome to watch. But sweet valentine looks like she’ll pick it up!
What did your mom feed them?
No I meant their mom fed them for 2 months. She fed them snakes and mice and squirrels. One of her babies had an injury so she fed it for over 4 months. I contacted an owl rescue place and send them videos and she said usually it is a few months but since her injury mom would feed her for a few more and so she was fed for a long time. All the while in my back tree behind my house
My, how freaking wonderful! Birds are so amazing! As I type, Valentine is back, on top of the nest box calling. Herbert the cat is listening. We all are. <3
I love that she is back. I love their calls. I bet herbert is listening!
Our owl still calls every evening to her now mate. Used to be to her mama. It’s neat to hear their call change and mature
🦉🦉 <3
Valentine is beautiful. Love the heart. May I use your photo to capture him in one of my drawings ? Will acknowledge your blog, and creative photography ?
I can understand your love of birds, they are all master pieces in their own right.
Of course you can use the photo. I am honored you want to, and appreciate your thoughtfulness in asking. And I so agree with you, each bird is an artistic masterpiece <3
Wonderful
Thank you & cheers to you!
How delightful to see this magnificent Valentine owl… so precious… Axiel my elemental owl that I perceived along my journey came with the distinct message that it was time for humanity to take over his role as keeper and actor of all knowingness and wisdom… which seems to me a great responsibility and can steer humanity into a new bright adventure… much love to you Cindy x barbara x
Wow! I wonder when humanity will start acting with “all knowingness and wisdom.” I hope soon, as time is running out.
Many hearts are opening now and reconnecting with their original magnificent power of love❤️ Life is happening ever so perfectly… much love x
<3 <3
OMG he is soooo cute!! You should write a picture book about him using your amazing photographs. Kids (and adults) would love it.
That would be so fun!
Love that ‘Heart’ detail. He is well named.
Thank you Darnell & be well my friend.
So cute and fluffy. He’s found the best human to hang out with
Thank you Pauline. I heard him last night in the oaks, so he is still hanging in there!
Pleased to hear that
He’s delightful!
He is, isn’t he! I hope the owls return every spring to their box.
What a gorgeous little fella 💖 Glad you’re keeping an eye on him x
Merci beaucoup mon ami <3
Namaste Cindy 🙂
Your photographs are superb and he adorable, it makes for a wonderful combination. I think you’ve made another good friend. Perhaps he’ll not go far: the Holler might even become his ‘home-range’ – Barn Owls are happy to share their patch with others – and no doubt he’ll look-out and look-after you all in the process. The Holler is a haven, he’d be foolish to fly away. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Tufted with talons but I haven’t a clue,
Paused on my perch knowing not what to do.
My first day out of the birthing shed,
I’ve neither woken nor fully fledged: and so,
I’ll ponder a moment on a cactus spine,
Don’t worry about me I’ll be fine,
When I’ve figured out what wings are for
When then I’ll lift-up from the floor,
But before I rise in summer skies,
I think it prudent if not also wise
To find a friend on whom I can depend,
“To lend a loving-hand: first night in a new land,”
“I’m alone with no home without mother:”
“Without sister or brother without family.”
“Kind lady will you keep an eye on me?”
“Will you keep an eye on me please?”
“I’m not afraid I’m just uncertain, but yet,”
“I know this is bliss it’s where I exist,”
“I know I’m a owl called Valentine. I know”
“I’ll be fine and that in time I’ll fly just you wait and see,”
“By morning I’ll be hooting from tops of tall trees!”
“I’ll be soaring heat-waves surfing warm breeze,”
“Barnstorming skies everywhere I please.”
“Until by late afternoon when I’ll take a nap,”
“Grab forty-winks before day slides back:”
“When then night shall wake me, her dream come to take me:”
“Her moonlight set me free, O my!”
~*~
Hoping all is well in the Holler. Thanks for posting.
Take care. Namaste 🙂
DN
“By morning I’ll be hooting from tops of tall trees!”
“I’ll be soaring heat-waves surfing warm breeze,”
“Barnstorming skies everywhere I please.”
“Until by late afternoon when I’ll take a nap,”
This is exactly what is happening. Your poem gave me owl-bumps! You are an incredibly gifted person Dewin <3 <3
Thank you 😀 I enjoy your photographs very much and your commentary often leaves me inspired: you have an affinity with nature. Valentine is a delight whose image has charmed everyone: you’ve given him notoriety and fame but he’ll remember you because you were there to offer kindness 🙂
A wonderful share, thank you Cindy. Hoping all is well wherever you may be. Enjoy your weekend.
Namaste <3
DN
sieht doch top aus, mit freundlichen Grüßen.
Er ist so eine Schonheit! Ich bin sehr froh, dass Sie ihn mogen. <3
What an adorable little fella!
He is indeed, and owlet with <3
How lucky to have barn owls nesting where you live! Wonderful photos.
Finally, they decided to occupy the box. It is pretty wonderful <3
Beautiful images Cindy and what a sweet wee chick. We hope he will figure things out – it seems so different from the parental guidance other birds enjoy 💜
Thank you and yes, it does seem very different, and quite intimidating, I would imagine.
Fantastic photos. the owl is very sleepy 😀 Kind regards Alexander
He looked at me for a bit, but eventually find be quite boring, and snoozed off, which is pretty amazing. He was born and grew up in my bird area, where the feeders and fountains are, and I am always out and about. So maybe I felt like part of the environment to him.
Such especial bird, Cindy. This young one is in a safe place. Do you feed the baby?
I tried because we are in such a relentless and dangerous heat wave, but he wouldn’t take any food. I don’t think he knew what it was.
Amazing pictures
Thank you so much & Happy Saturday!
Welcome 😊 keep blogging
Beautiful photos…such a lovely owl
Thank you so much & cheers to you!
He looks like someone woke him up early and he hasn’t had coffee yet. This too shall pass.
He does look exactly like that! 😉
OWLstanding as always, my friend! ♡⊚▿⊚♡
🦉 ♡⊚▿⊚♡🦉
Absolutely superb – you can see every hair.
Very kind & much appreciated Diana. He is a beauty isn’t he!
What a gorgeous looking owl with the warm colors and cute heart face. It must be wonderful to have a family close by to observe. Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos Cindy!
Thank you more for appreciating him Brad & have a wonderful weekend!
My pleasure Cindy!
He’s adorable, Cindy.
Leslie
He is. I was thrilled he let me get close 🦉
Sweet little fellow…
<3 <3
Cindy, such lovely portraits and they make me feel calm and quietly tranquil. Thanks.
Owls do make one feel tranquil don’t they. They are magical creatures 🦉
How precious is that! You’ve captured him beautifully and he has captured my heart! 😀 <3
You have a sweet <3 and the critters know this. (So do I !)
An amazing creature… maybe evidence Something smarter than we are made things?
Absolutely, which is makes us full of wonder. Nature itself fills us with the wonder of creation.
Thank you Cindy for sharing the handsome Valentine being with us. He’s very lucky to be living near you!
Thank you more for appreciating the wild ones my friend. I feel so fortunate to live among them 🦉
Missed your photography Cindy. This series is at the top of my all time favorite ~ love it and glad I didn’t miss the gorgeous creature.
Ahhh, I am just very lucky to find friends like you, who love creatures like I do <3 🦉
Birds have one the steepest learning curves from hatching to being on their own. While “your” owl appreciated you watching over him on the first day, he didn’t tell you he already knew how to hunt. 🙂
Instinct should guide him through. I do think he was quite wise to nap for his first day outside his box, inside our fence, and near the human he grew up near. This kept him safe from the hawks and Great Horned Owls while he got himself rested and acclimated.
How truly wonderful. I hope Valentine finds his way. Your photographs have given me such pleasure. A beautiful owlet, who has moved into my heart. Thank you Cindy, for always making the world a wonderful place. <3
Awww, you are a dear friend and a wonderful person. Hugs to you my friend & be well <3 🦉
Pingback: Baby Valentine~ — | Rethinking Life
You have the best adventures! And you have a marvellous way of sharing the story. Hugs!
Someday Rebecca, you must come and visit The Holler. We will have a Hollerific good time! 🦉
Such a dear and special post. Thank you Cindy for sharing Valentine with us 💕
Ahhh, thank you more Val for appreciating him! 🦉
Awesome!
He is, and I saw him last night on top of the owl box. Looking forward to seeing him tonight!
I think we have the same love for all animals.
We do! <3 🦉
How adorable!
He pretty much had me at the first HOO! 😉
Just Wonderful. I would love to be able to get photos of a barn owl. They have eluded me so far. Until then I will enjoy viewing these wonderful photos you have taken. Thank you.
They certainly eluded me as well, until Baby Valentine came along. Hoping you have an owlish encounter soon & lovely to meet you.
Thank you.
<3
So beautiful and regal! 🙂
And so calm and willing to have me near! 🦉
What a lovely owlet, it’s a gift to have him settle so near while he figures things out! I’m currently watching new gull parents cope with three chicks on a neighbouring rooftop, Mama is figuring things out fast, that’s for sure!
How wonderful! Birds are such devoted, indefatigable parents.
She’s fun to watch…yesterday afternoon all three babies came out from the safety of the nest to eat and explore!
Oh I would love to be there with my camera <3
I can see them out with Mom now, they are tottering about and stretching their wings…
<3 <3
https://superduque777.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/romantic-delicate-rose.jpg?w=950
Que linda! Muy amable y muchos gracias amigo mia! 🦉
Oh my gosh, so cuuuuute!
Yes he is, and I spied him last night with my flashlight, and will be listening for him tonight as well.
Lucky! 🙂
<3
stunning images
Thanks so much and very pleased you enjoyed them! 🦉
Such sweet sweet shots, Cindy!
Yes, thank you, due to the incredible sweetness of the subject.
Amazing photos!
Thank you! It is an amazing bird and I happened to be there. How lucky is that!
Beautiful short storie about life!
Tks.!
Ahhh, thank you my friend and be well <3 🦉
Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
Pictures of Valentine, the baby barn owl by Cindy Knoke.
The owlet sibs (there are definitely TWO!) and I thank you for your support <3 🦉 <3 🦉
Awww… what a cutie. Even an owlet has big talons. Gorgeous photo. Cindy.
“What big claws you have little owlet!” <3 🦉
I love that, Cindy! 😀
<3 🦉
What an adorable and gorgeous Owlet! I adore owls! I hope he begins to get brave and spread his wings and learns well how to be on his own without his mama! Hugz Lisa
Guess what? He has a sibling! I thought maybe he did, because I heard two owlets calling several times but I never saw the second one. Last night, and the night before I used a flashlight because I know Valentine isn’t worried about me. Sure enough, there they both were on top of the owl, the sib flew away, but Valentine remained!
Yay that is so cool! Your photos of him are fantastic
<3 🦉
WONDERFUL!! Valentine is amazing special! Wow!
And there are two of them!!! Valentine has a sibling I have named Nervous as she is scared of me while Valentine is not. They both seem to be doing well! 🦉🦉
Very neat! <3
There’s a sweetness and vulnerability in his young owl they you have captured so well. May he remain safe and grow into stunning maturity. Great photos, Cindy. You deserve the trust he has placed in you.
Ahhhh, what lovely sentiments from a very kind person. Thank you & be well 🦉
These photographs are so beautiful, Cindy1
These photographs are so beautiful, Cindy!
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Here are more beautiful photographs from Cindy Knoke!
The Owls (Valentine & Nervous, yes, he has a fraidy-cat sister,) both thank you, as do I Charles. Your support and friendship make blogging wonderful 🦉🦉
Such a sweet creature! Wonderful photo, I hope he is thriving.
He is, and so is his sister! Yep, he has a sister, so he is not alone which is very nice 🦉🦉
Ahh, that’s so sweet. Love Owls (and all God’s creatures)
All creatures wise and wonderful <3
Indeed! <3
What fabulous photos, and so adorable!
We’ve had a sparrowhawk family nesting in a tree and it’s been wonderful watching the parents. Unfortunately we’ve never seen the offspring up close as the nest was too high to see into, and once fledged they’ve been feeding the chick(s) in nearby trees, also too far away to see clearly. It was still a special experience though, having the adults flying around so close to us for weeks.
I would so love to have hawks nest nearby. How lucky you are! Hopefully they will return each year to the same nest and since you didn’t bother them, they most likely will.
It is really special, no question about it.
They’ve nested there before, but its been about an 8 year break since last time. Hopefully they’ll come back sooner next time!
<3 <3
Another amazing experience in The Holler ! Stunning photo’s Cindy. I’m hoping he’s found his footing in this great big world. Hard to imagine that Cacti would be very comfortable 😀 I’d want to fly back to my fluffy nest and wait for dinner to arrive ! x K
He has a sister and they both seem to be doing well. I see and hear them every night now. Birds like cacti. They are good at navigating round the needles, and the prickles may function like a castle with a moat and drawbridge! Still, I’m with you. I want a comfy bed and a moat and drawbridge!
LOL, sounds very princess-y 😀 The Mr will need to be on a white stead of course, ha!
What a little doll!! If he’s still having trouble figuring things out, ship him to me — I’d welcome a baby barn owl with his heart-shaped face!!
He is adorable isn’t he and he has a sibling! I have named her Nervous as she is afraid of me, while Valentine is not. I have seen them together two nights in a row now and they seem to be doing well which is a big relief. 🦉🦉
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
I know that this little owls face, captured by Cindy Knoke will stay with me for a long time… what an amazing creature and beautiful but still fragile as he clings to his piece of cactus… out in the big bad world for the first time.. lovely.
The 🦉🦉 and I are so grateful to you sweet Sally. Be well my friend & cheers to you! <3
I just love those shots. That little owl is picture perfect!
Thank you so much & cheers to you Kathleen 🦉
Oh, Cindy, Valentine is beautiful. So precious, much love and hope to the little one that he grows up to be as wise as his Mama. xxx
He has a sibling! I have seen them both two nights in a row now. He seems to be doing well and I am very pleased you like him Adele. Cheers to you & thank you 🦉
Fantastic photos 💜
Thank you!
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Wow, look at that face! I couldn’t believe the heart shape face. And I didn’t know owls liked to hang out on prickly cactus! Thanks for the education my friend. 🙂 <3
The wild ones teach me stuff everyday. Happy to pass it on to someone who appreciates them, like you sweet friend <3
<3
A confused baby owl is asheartbreaking as any other confused young thing, of whatever species,
man or creature !!!
Yes! Thank you! Us humans are supposed to have an innate protective response to vulnerable living things. It seems like too many people may be missing this kinda core trait.
The sleepy one obviously trusted you! Excellent captures, Cindy!
Aww, thank you Frank!
Valentine is here again tonight. He lets me see him. He has a sib. She flies at the merest hint of me. Mama is around too which surprised me. She is so beautiful, and SO BIG! She avoids me too. Only Valentine seems to not be worried about me. The good deal is, if mama likes it here, she will re-nest here next year, which will be a major thrill, because it is such a huge honor to have them here.
Be well my friend~
Several years ago, my neighbour found a baby chouette (owl) similar to this one in your excellent photos. I did a post about it including photos. Thank you for taking me back to that special event. We have many owl families living in the trees just across our river. <3
How lucky you were to be up close and personal like this and to live near nesting owls!
I totally adore him 🙂 xxxx
Yep, he has that effect on me too! <3
What an amazing little fellow– how wonderful that you got to meet him so newly hatched! Love his fuzzy little claws. You are an artist Cindy! xox
Awww, you are a thoughtful blogging friend Rhonda. Be well & hugs to you <3
Cindy, I loved seeing this little owl, thanks!
I am so glad you like him. He is here now squawking away! 🦉
Hi, Cindy, the barn owl is cute. 🙂
He is a flying Valentine! Hope all is well with you Ranu 🦉
What a sweetie. I love the name, Valentine. It certainly fits!
He is here right now squawking away on top of the nest box. I love having the owls 20 feet away!
Perfect name for the baby barn owl. So cute! <3
He is beautiful and it is amazing watching him grow and learn.
Seems like such a delight to witness. 🙂
I look forward to sunset when he comes out of this box!
Awww how cute!
Wow! Beautiful! He wear his love on his face. Your pictures are such a joy.
Aww, and your comment is made of love. <3
Precious and tender are early moments of life! An owlet! This image, made my now moment. Thank you for sharing your free owlet…..
Awww, I love my friends who love the wild ones! 🦉 <3
Splendid, Cindy!! What an awesome story to go with the stunning images…I feel hopeful when I see him.
He is doing very well! I see and hear him and his sibling every night! <3 🦉
Absolutely gorgeous. So glad he is now in the trees.
I see and hear him every night now! 🦉 <3
WOW! What gorgeous photos!
I am very pleased you enjoyed & lovely to meet you!
I never noticed that owls with a heart drawing on their faces, or did you use a sharpie on it? 🙂
Mother Nature gets the credit for this Valentine! <3
Ah… what a sweet little thing. Cindy, your narrative added so much to the gorgeous photos. Valentine is a charmer. I hope he will flourish. Hugs on the wing!
Thank you Teagan! he has a sibling and I can hear them both now and they are doing great so far <3 🦉🦉
Wow, this little Owl is a absolutely beautiful subject and you have mastered the capture of it’s beauty with you camera! So good … 🙂
Ahhhh, so appreciated from a photographer I very much respect!
Beautiful owl. I hope the owl make it and say thank you for the help 🙂
So far, he and his sibling, there are two, are both doing very well. We love having them here <3 🦉🦉
It must be exciting to follow their development.
I love it!
Sharp pictures!! Im wondering how it’s sitting easily on that thorny cactus!!
Birds love cacti as perchs. They are quite adept at avoiding the needles.
Oh nice!! Didnt know that!! Thanks for sharing!! They are so skillful!!
They are so much smarter than we know.
Yeah really!! 😳
What an absolute angel!
He is owdorable! (Sorry, couldn’t resist. He is!)
More lovely close up photos. Adorable little owl.
There are two! He has a sibling who is much more adventurous than Valentine.
Aww, Valentine is so cute and I’m sure he’ll figure things out soon!
He is learning night by night!
He will have to learn fast. What a wonderful gift to finally have barn owls in your barn owl box! Not seen one around here in Spain and they have become quite rare in the U.K. Let’s hope Valentine keeps the love going strong!
He is here on top of the box with his sibling every night, and is basically unperturbed by our presence. I have loved owls since I was a child, but had so little chance to to see them. Having them here is wonderful. Hugs to you my friend and sorry to hear about the declining populations in the UK. <3
Wonderful indeed. Enjoy.
<3
Empty nest syndrome in reverse? What a shock for the little fella! Am sure he will learn and cope though, which always amazes me! Nature, if only we would follow the instincts!
What a wonderful experience for you and thanks for sharing 💕
Thank you for such a thoughtful comment. Bird behavior reminds me of human behavior and I think we can learn a lot from them. Maybe we all need to get a little more bird-brained!!
😊 yep! Life would certainly be a lot simpler methinks 😁
<3
What a wonderful place you live at. Surrounded by beautiful nature.
Thank you! I just read today that the nature preserve abutting our property has been extended to well over 1200 acres, which means the wildlife will remain here unmolested. Hooray!!
How lucky can you get? Jealous! 🙂
I have waited a decade for owls to move in to my box. Now, they are here all day and all night and I love them. So, perseverance and patience pays off!
Yay! Owls are the best!
<3 🦉
Love this! Owls are my favorite birds and these are gorgeous!!!!
Yes. Owls have always been elusive for me, so it is a major thrill to have them here with me everyday and night. Owlet should be popping on top of his box any minute now.
Reblogged this on Voices and Visions.
Great photography! Love that little owl…actually one of my favourite animals. Absolutely love your work. It’s always wonderful, very creative and so artistic.
Owls are awesome. And so are you. Thank you my friend & be well.
Thank you Cindy, you are awesome!
<3
These are incredible pictures! This bird is beautiful! Owls are my favourite birds and I like to paint them and draw them as well as collect any and all figurines that I find that represents an owl. You are a magnificent photographer and chronicler of nature. Love your work!
I love owls too and am so happy to be living with them year round now. As I type the great horned owl is singing his nightly solo. Cheers to you my friend.
Cheers, Cindy!
<3
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What an unforgettable event to have witnessed–barn owls breeding in your yard. I hope Valentine has fared well.
I hope so too. They have a tough life in the wild დ
Such beautiful creatures! Thank you, Cindy, for keeping a watch over him until he figures things out for himself.
He was clearly a bit stunned, poor guy. I of course was thrilled to no end! დ
What a great little guy!
He was not the least bit scared of me and was very focused on taking a nap! Smart bird დ
You do good work Cindy, as you always do. You are sort of a bird princess I guess.
Ahh, thank you Neil. I’ve got a bird brain, which I am very proud of! 😉 😉
Wonderful images of the owlet. Being so close to it must have been a priviledge indeed. 🙂
Yes indeed. It is a hard to describe the feeling when a wild creature lets you get close and sleeps in your presence. I find infinite patience in these situations. Thank you for knowing Vicki დ
I’d love to hear Valentine in the branches above me. So Awesome.
I hoot with the Great Horned regularly and squawk with the baby barn owls too! Love living with them so much დ
What a beautiful creature! So vulnerable and small, yet magnificent in his own way.
All creatures great & small… So happy you SEE them Debra დ
What a delightful story and wonderful photos, Cindy. I’ve been reading about Snowy, the owl adopted, at least temporarily by the folks of Cypress in Orange County. I read about one professional photographer who has taken 20,000 photos of the arctic visitor. –Curt
That’s amazing! I thinkg I read about it. Birds do seem to enjoy going off course, as a matter of course! დ