The exact breeding season varies depending on the owl species, food supply, and weather; however, the female owl lays 3 or 4 eggs usually during the months of February and March. Then it's a long haul to keep those precious eggs warm and safe, despite the cold. Incubation for owl eggs lasts about a month. Can you imagine having to sit still that long?! Let alone on eggs and in the cold. But that's what mama owl has to do, and she's very good at it.
Just before the laying, mama owl starts losing most of the feathers on her belly (brood patch) so that the warm blood vessels there can serve as a heater to the eggs. So, on top of everything else, she partially naked! Come on, you got to admire mama owl. It's a good thing, too, that Mr. Owl is a good papa. While mama owl is sitting on her eggs, papa owl is hunting and delivering food to her.
After the owlets hatch, it's a full time job feeding all those hungry mouths. Not only that, but not all the eggs may hatch at the same time, so mama owl may still need to 'sit' for awhile. Again, it's a good thing papa owl is there to help. Once all the eggs are hatched, mama owl can leave papa owl to babysit while she spreads her wings and do some of the hunting herself.
Like other raptors, owlets remain dependent on their parents for several weeks, even months. Mama owl will keep close and continue feeding them until they learn how to fly and hunt on their own. I say, good job, mama owl!
Let's also give a round of applause to all the loving and hard working human mothers.
Owl Themed Mother's Day Gifts Products:
Mothers Day - Cute Owls - Whooo loves you Stickers by MarshEnterprises
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To My Wife on Mother's Day Porcelain Plate by Diamond_Willow
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Screech Owl on Yellow Hibiscus Mother's Day Cards by PortraitsNaturally
Create card designs on Zazzle
Mother's Day Chocolate Box 45 Piece Assorted Chocolate Box by ckeenart
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