Spring Birding on the Chesapeake Bay

In Maryland, the Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is a permanent, non-migratory resident that kicks off the avian breeding season long before other birds. While most of the state is still blanketed in winter, these powerful raptors are already deep into their nesting cycle.

The Winter Courtship

Unlike many birds that begin courtship in spring, Great Horned Owls in Maryland often start as early as late autumn. By December, most pairs have solidified their bond through synchronized hooting and elaborate bowing displays. These duets, which can be heard throughout Maryland’s wooded areas, serve to establish and defend a territory that typically spans about 1.5 square miles.

"Borrowed" Homes

Great Horned Owls are famous for being "nesting pirates." They do not build their own nests. Instead, they take over existing structures, with a strong preference for abandoned stick nests of red-tailed hawks, crows, or herons.

In Maryland, they are highly adaptable and may also use:

• Tree      Cavities: Large hollows in mature deciduous trees.
• Snags:      The tops of broken-off dead trees.
• Human      Structures: Ledges of deserted buildings or even man-made nesting      platforms.

Incubation and Brooding

Nesting usually begins between late January and early February. The female lays a clutch of one to four dull white eggs, which she incubates for 30 to 37 days. During this time, she rarely leaves the nest; the male is responsible for hunting and bringing food to her. This strategy allows them to successfully hatch young in the dead of winter, even in freezing temperatures.

Development: From "Branching" to Flight

Once the owlets hatch, their development is a gradual process:

• Nestlings      (0–6 Weeks): They remain entirely in the nest, guarded by the mother while      the father hunts.
• Branching      (6–7 Weeks): The young start to climb out of the nest and onto nearby      branches. During this stage, they may occasionally fall to the ground but      are still cared for by their parents.
• Fledging      (10–12 Weeks): They achieve full flight and begin learning to hunt.

Respecting the Nest

If you encounter a nesting pair in Maryland, it is vital to keep a respectful distance. Great Horned Owls are extremely territorial and may dive-bomb intruders to protect their young. Additionally, human disturbance can cause parents to abandon a nest.

Discover for Yourself

A quick internet search can let you know how to attract owls to your property using specific nest box designs or see a list of Maryland parks where they are commonly spotted.