A Lucky Encounter with a Great Horned Owl Fledgling

Today, I’m thrilled to share a photo I photographed (thanks to a helpful friend!) of a magnificent Great Horned Owl fledgling at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.

It all began with a sunrise drive along the auto tour route with my photographer friend, Mia McPherson. We reached a familiar spot, a tree where I’d seen a Great Horned Owl perched before. We scanned the branches, disappointment settling in as we couldn’t find it. Just as Mia leaned out the window for a better look, she spotted a young owl – a fledgling, no less!

Here’s where things get interesting (and a touch embarrassing for yours truly). I completely forgot my camera equipment at home! How, you ask? Let’s just say my memory decided to take a vacation that day. Luckily, Mia, ever the gracious friend, offered to share her camera and let me snap a few photos.

The photo, which you’ll see below, captures this young Great Horned Owl perched on a branch, its feathers a stunning mix of brown and tan. It’s a fantastic reminder of the incredible wildlife that calls Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge home.

But this chance encounter also sparked my curiosity about these fascinating birds. So, I did some digging and here are some interesting facts about Great Horned Owls, particularly their fledglings:

• Fast Facts: Great Horned Owls typically lay 1-4 eggs, with most clutches containing 2. The owlets hatch blind and helpless, but grow rapidly, gaining around 30 grams a day! Their iconic ear tufts even start sprouting around 3 weeks old.
• Taking Flight: By 6 weeks old, these owlets are ready to fledge, taking their first wobbly flights. However, even after leaving the nest, they rely on their parents for food and hunting lessons for another 4-5 months!
• The Road to Independence: As they age, the young owls become more independent, eventually dispersing in the fall to establish their own territories or become nomadic until they find a suitable home.

Witnessing this Great Horned Owl fledgling was a truly special experience, and to be honest, it felt like a crazy lucky morning all around. Not only did we spot this amazing creature, but luckily, I had parked in the perfect spot for Mia to get a clear view out of the window. It would have been difficult to see the owlet from any other vantage point!

If you’re ever in the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge area, keep your eyes peeled – you might just have your own lucky encounter with some incredible wildlife!