Great Horned Owl Chick In Coastal Florida

This image of a Great Horned Owl chick resting near its nest on the coast Florida in lovely afternoon light brings back wonderful memories for me. It was 2008.

Great Horned Owl chick in coastal Florida – Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/1000, ISO 800, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light, not baited

A few days ago, my best friend Patty, sent me a link to a Facebook post about some Great Horned Owl chicks that had fledged in Florida. That post reminded me of this owl nest, the chicks, and how I observed this nest on Honeymoon Island State Park for about four months. Watching the tiny owlets until they left the nest was an incredible experience.

More importantly, though, that Facebook post reminded me of the times I would meet Patty at the park.

We’d get there not long after the gate opened at 8 a.m. and walk north along the slash pine-bordered Osprey Trail. Armadillos scurried in the brush below the pines, while Ospreys and Bald Eagles called above our heads when they flew by. The sea breeze carried the salty scent of the Gulf of Mexico to us and we could hear the waves caressing the sand on the sandy shore.

We’d observe the birds and creatures we found as we walked towards this owl nest, talking, laughing, and simply enjoying each other’s company. At this park with the owl nest and everywhere else we explored together in Florida, we always had a marvelous time. Better than marvelous, actually.

This Great Horned Owl nest was in a very tall, dead tree, and we had to stand back, well away from it, to see the owls. We were quiet around the nest, but the smiles on our faces said everything as we watched the young owls and their parents.

That kind of easy going, deeply cherished, friendship isn’t easily found and the memories we created at this owl nest are truly unforgettable. My life is so much richer because of Patty. She is a true friend.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to view more of my Great Horned Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.