Zanjero Park, Gilbert, Maricopa County, AZ

Sunday, June 19th: 

Two Young Burrowing Owls


HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

My Dad was born and raised on a farm (the Fretz Family homestead) and didn't much like it. Yet I sensed his love of the outdoors even if it was working our large berry and vegetable  "patch". Although it was hard work, I always chose outdoor chores above the inside ones and worked side by side with him up to my teenage years.

It was no chore this morning to visit Zanjero Park with its new crop of Burrowing Owls running about among a few of the many burrows installed there by Desert Rivers Audubon and others. First one I saw was an adult.

Then I came upon this young one. It seemed to be saying, "Good Morning!"

But, uh-oh! Why didn't you tell me there was a step there? 

Let just tidy up a bit. I've got an itch.

The young were already learning to be alert to the world around them. Look at this sentry.

OK - ALL LOOKS CLEAR.

Once out of their burrows, they appeared to be learning to "wing it".

Oops! Junior didn't do as well.

"Can you believe that?" the bigger birds seem to be saying.

Where did they go?  Where did they go?

Over at the next burrow, the adult stayed inside with its "catch of the day".  

The young owl appeared to think it wasn't quite fully prepared for its own breakfast.

A delightful day with the owls before all of us needed to get out of the sun on what is predicted to be a 120° day.  At 2:30 p.m. in the shade of my porch:

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View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S30303198