Junior thought he heard another owl hooting in the distance and he's looking in that direction (above). I heard it too, very faint and far away. Whether it was another male looking for a territory, or his mate, Penelope, we do not know. Junior answered a couple of times and then all fell silent.
With that threat disposed of, Junior finds something on the forest floor to occupy his attention (below).
These are two juvenile Barred Owls, temporarily residing at the Wildlife Resqu Haus in Daleville, Indiana. They have been brought in either because they fell (or were pushed) from their nests, or they have been injured. Both are thriving and will soon be released into the wild.
It is likely that both of these juveniles are males. Males, at this age are smaller and more curious than the females. They also enjoy the company of other juvenile males. These two seem a little frightened by the camera and photographer in their cage.
