Pebble Creek Great Gray Nest Log
Part #2by Dan Hartman
July 10, 2014
June 23rd Finally saw chicks at the nest! Brad and his class from the Institute were with me today. We hung around the nest for a time hoping to see a feeding, but none came. We then climbed on to another higher viewpoint and soon located the perched female. After a bit she led us away from the nest, so we followed and found her perched again.We found several more bear beds and scat.
July 9th Ray and I climbed up to the nest this morning hoping to get an official chick count. When we arrived at the nest site I wasn't surprised to find it empty. We looked around a bit then soon heard the female beg for food below us. As we got close, she flew upslope. Ray followed her while I continued my search for chicks.
Nothing.
Obviously, there's at least one surviving chick or she wouldn't still be here. As we sat quietly waiting for a chick to call, the female moved from perch to perch, continuing to call every now and then.
My experience tells me that a lone chick doesn't have much reason to call as he gets all the food while two or more chicks call constantly trying to be a bit louder than their siblings so to get fed first.
I could be wrong, but this nest probably only produced one chick.
Ray and I looked a bit more then headed back down the mountain side. I'll have to come back some evening and try again. But will be surprised if I find more than one chick.
Later at the cabin as I was writing this article, I realized robins were barking and junco were ticking. The same sounds I had just experienced at the great gray nest! Did the owl follow me home? I stepped out on the porch for a look. A pine marten sat in a tree looking at me.
Next: Beartooth Great Gray Log
Photos
Great Gray Female
Brads' Institute Group
Pebble Great Gray Nest
Owl Watching
Great Gray Owl
Checking Out A Bear Bed
Owl Feather