Great Horned Owls
Tidbits from Desert Haven Photography: Great Horned Owls of Robson Ranch
At Robson Ranch, Arizona, the tall palm trees have become a stage for a captivating natural drama: the nesting of Great Horned Owls. This year, word spread that around 11 owls and owlets were spotted across the ranch, their haunting hoots and piercing yellow eyes drawing a crowd of enthralled onlookers. Dennis and I joined the self-proclaimed “owl groupies,” a lively bunch who gather at the owl sites to marvel at the majestic female owl tending her nest, the nearby male keeping watch, and the fluffy owlets peeking out. My camera has been busy capturing these moments before sharing on social media.
The nesting process is a remarkable journey, unfolding over several weeks. Great Horned Owls typically lay 1-4 eggs in late winter, often in January or February, with incubation lasting about 30-37 days. The female diligently warms the eggs, her brood patch ensuring cozy conditions, while the male delivers prey like rodents and birds. Once hatched, the downy owlets grow rapidly, doubling their weight in weeks. By around 5-7 weeks, they begin “branching,” clumsily climbing nearby branches or palm fronds, practicing for their first flights. This stage, lasting a couple of weeks, is a thrill to watch, as the owlets flap awkwardly, still reliant on their parents for food. Our groupies swap stories of spotting these moments, each visit deepening our awe for these nocturnal hunters.
The Robson Ranch owl spectacle has turned neighbors into a tight-knit community of nature lovers, united by the rhythm of the owls’ lives. From egg-laying to branching, the roughly 10-week journey captivates us, as we witness the owlets transform from helpless hatchlings to bold fledglings. My photographs, available on our website, aim to preserve this magic, inviting others to share in the wonder of these Great Horned Owls. As the owlets prepare to leave the nest, we groupies are already anticipating next season, ready to gather again under the palms, cameras and binoculars in hand, to celebrate the desert’s winged royalty.
