Great Horned Owl Nest, Reno, Nevada

[AlisonL]

This Great Horned Owl nest is one of a kind. There are two females, nesting side by side on a ledge, and one male, who brings food to both females. This situation has apparently never been documented before.

From the Nevada Department of Wildlife:

What: Two females (based on size and behavior of incubating and defending nest) on a "man-made" cliff (aka building) nesting next to each other directly on rock substrate.

Who: Left is Sienna she is on 2 eggs, right is Jina she is on 3. A third bird (presumed male due to smaller size and behavior of bringing prey to females) is confirmed - have not seen a fourth at the same time as the other 3. He is Arie. None of them are banded. UPDATE: Two eggs have hatched. Owlet #1 is Washoe. Washoe will be the biggest since this owlet was the first to hatch. Owlet #2, Zephyr, hatched Friday when it was so windy.

Where: Reno, NV Two or more female Great Horned Owls nesting next to each other is not documented anywhere. We do not know if they are related (that would disturb them a lot to take blood samples) nor do we know if Arie is the father of both clutches. So please watch for a 4th bird!



Webcam:

! No longer available

Short article:

https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/nevada/viewers-hoot-over-nevadas-nesting-owl-livestream/

[MAK]

 

[Carol P.]

Very interesting! Thanks for sharing Alison!

[Donna]

Trying to figure this site out! Looks like 2 hatched but looks like 2 eggs are still there.