We were puzzled when Junior (above) and Sis (right) reappeared in April, 2000 and even took turns sitting in Papa's roost. They were seen frequently around the sycamore grove, but there was no sign of either Mama or Papa.
The mystery was solved with appearance of these young owlets in mid-May. "Roamer" was the first to leave the nesting cavity on May 14, 2000 (Mother's Day) and immediately made his way to a nearby tree (right). A few hours later, Homer appeared next to the cavity (below). He remained in the home tree for several days. A couple of days later, Gomer emerged (below).
It was apparent that Junior and Sis had taken over the duties of their deceased father by feeding their mother and their young siblings. The triplets owe their very lives to their older brother and sister. These duties continued all summer.
Mama seemed worried about her three youngsters and kept a close watch over them for several days (above). In the picture below, she is next to Roamer shortly after he left the nest. Mama has been the most difficult of these owls to photograph as she is very elusive and picks deep cover to roost. She wasn't as active (or at least obvious) as the others while it is still light enough to take pictures.
Here Mama is seen with one of the youngsters in early June, 2000.
