The Jamaica Bay wildlife refuge is home to of wildlife for being within earshot of New York Cityit hosts over 300 species of birds, as well as several types of frogs, turtles, snakes and small mammals. And as of this winter, its also home to a pair of Great Horned Owlets.
Bird photographer first noticed and began documenting the nest on March 25, when the then-three-week-old owls were still white and downy. Situated just off a hiking trail and about 30 feet up in a tree, he believes the nest was originally built and left behind by a squirrel.
Ive learned that these owls are very indifferent about where they nest, theyll setup anywhere, he says.
The Jamaica Bay nest is certainly a neat phenomenon, says 勛圖窪蹋s field editor Kenn Kaufman. But hes not too surprised: Its my impression that [Great Horns] have been gradually moving into the city.
Indeed, Great Horned Owls have lived around New York City for years now, mainly keeping to bigger parks like Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx. What do they get out of city life? Judging by the components in their poop, a great supply of New York City rats. These owls are opportunistic, says Don Riepe, director of Jamaica Bay Office.
Riepe says both Great Horned Owls and Red Tail Hawks (the owls daytime equivalent) now nest in every borough of New York City, as well as other metropolises across the country. New York City hosts other wildlife, too, he says: Theres , a growing on Staten Island, and a cluster of along the Upper West Side of Manhattan. As these populations grow and human development expands, These animals are gradually adapting to urban areas, Riepe says.
As for Jamaica Bays new owlets, he suspects they are now seven to eight weeks oldjust old enough to learn to fly.
But theyre not always naturals: Portmann found one on the forest floor. The chick didnt give up, thoughafter calling to its mother, it made a second attempt. It took off and I couldnt see it, but then I heard another crash landing in the trees, he says. During this first week, they just arent very good.