WBU Owl Cam!

The owls - Joy, Kindness & Hope have all fledged for this year! Mama Barred Owl returned to the nest box and provided some fabulous viewing throughout some extended times at home this year. In partnership with Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the WBU Barred Owl cam went live from when Mama owl checked out the box in February until May, when the owlets fledged!! Jim Carpenter, President & CEO of Wild Birds Unlimited, has hosted a camera-equipped owl box in his backyard for many years. Learn about the history of the box here.

Each year two cameras are set up. One camera is placed inside the nest box and one is outside so you can see the owls coming and going. They are nocturnal hunters and during nesting season the male will deliver tasty treats to his mate.

Owl Cam 2020 Highlights. The owls may be gone for another year but we can still watch our favourite moments:

 

Owl Cam Timeline: 

Mama Owl checked out the box on February 11, 2020.

  • First egg laid: March 9, 2020
  • Second egg laid: March 11, 2020
  • Third egg laid: March 14, 2020

Incubation typically lasts 28 – 33 days from when the first or second egg is laid.

  • First egg hatched: Joy, the owlet hatched about 2:30am on April 11, 2020
  • Second egg hatched: Kindness, the owlet, hatched about 10pm on April 11, 2020
  • Third egg hatched: Hope, the owlet, hatched about 3pm on April 14, 2020

Nestling period lasts approximately 28-35 days.

  • First owlet fledged: Joy fledged at 6:03am on May 15, 2020
  • Second owlet fledged: Kindness fledged at 6:12am on May 16, 2020
  • Third owlet fledged: Hope fledged at 6:15am on May 17, 2020

To learn more about Barred Owls visit All About Birds by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.