Expert: Julia Booth - 4/30/2008

Question
Recently I have been hearing at night the call of a Great Horned Owl. What is strange is that the call first is due north, then later in the evening to the west, then latest of all to the south.  I believe this is the same owl since there is a time break between each location and this call is the only one I hear.

From what I have heard on the net, the call is like the "territorial" call.  

My question is this: Could the owl be marking its hunting site boundaries?

I know the owl knows and we may not. Answer or not, this is fascinating to hear and is only the second Great Horned to be heard in my ears.

I had concern for a mating pair of Red Shouldered hawks, for the chick, but have not seen the hawks for a while. Perhaps they nested elsewhere.

BTW, I am Thomas on the Jewelry, Gems and Minerals part of this site. If you ever have a question about jewelry, please feel free to send me a question.  
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.  April 29, 2008  9:32PM

Answer
I just went to a fabulous gem show at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. I have an interest in geology as well, although I'd hardly qualify myself to answer questions about it. Perhaps I'll hit you up yet.

The male Horned Owl is being territorial and making other males aware of his presence -He's typically heard right around 9-10pm or so. It's usually two introductory hoots followed by 3-5 more raising in pitch.

Mating for these owls is earlier in the year -January or Feb.

Horned Owls will talk to you. I have stood out on my porch and hooted back and forth with them before. It's great fun, although it might annoy them. Who knows?

Red-Shouldered Hawks fledge around 5-6 weeks. They are usually fed by the parents for another 8-10 weeks and are independent after that point. They may still roost in or near the nest where they were born, however.

Hope this helps,

Julia