Tales From The Nest - Part 9

4/23 – Last night tornadoes ripped through the St. Louis area, demolishing homes and damaging the airport badly enough to shut down Lambert St. Louis Airport for an undetermined length of time. 

The storm roared out of the west bringing with it golf ball size hail, 70 mph winds, and a lightening display St. Louisans will remember for years to come.  On its way to Northwest St. Louis County it roared right over our Great Horned Owl nest, and I wonder—“Will our owl family still be there this morning, or have they been swept away by the storm?” 

Even though it’s still raining I have to find out if our little family is still there.  I hold my breath as I approach my viewing station.  Yes!...there are three distinct shadows at the nest.  

Mamma sits up high on her favorite perching branch, and the two babies are perched on the edge of the nest right below her.  They are drenched, but appear to be no worse for wear.  

The nest itself seems to have weathered the storm—the hawks who built the original structure last year get an “A” for their construction skills and choice of a good site.  This nest has been through more than it’s fair share of bad weather and still seems to be rock solid. 

Since it’s still raining I take only a few photos before I leave, all the while saying a silent “thank you” to a higher power that the nest was kept safe through last night’s terrible storm.

Check back soon for more "Tales From The Nest".

Submitted by Gay Schroer, World Bird Sanctuary Volunteer/Photographer