Thank you Tony Kukulich for featuring our Raptor Cam Owl Nest!
Read the full article here: Post & Courier Article
Celebrating the Common Yet Extraordinary: Great Horned Owls in the Lowcountry
Great Horned Owls are no strangers to the Lowcountry; in fact, they rule as the predominant owl species in our area. As Jenn Clementoni, co-owner of Birding Beaufort, confirms, these owls have found a comfortable home in our community.
A Birth Like No Other: Live on Raptor CAM The magic of this owl's arrival lies in its unique setting—it's all happening right in front of the Raptor CAM. This remarkable camera was installed over two years ago and is meticulously managed by the Hilton Head Island Land Trust. It offers a front-row seat to nature enthusiasts, allowing them to witness the wonder of life unfolding in real-time.
A Nest, A Camera, and a Thriving Community The Raptor CAM focuses on a carefully concealed nest location on Hilton Head Island, providing a 24-hour live feed accessible to anyone with an internet connection. It's a testament to the power of technology in bringing people closer to nature.
A Timely Arrival: The First Egg The Hilton Head Island Land Trust recently shared the delightful news that a pair of Great Horned Owls, residing in the observed nest, laid their first egg of the season on January 2. The timing couldn't be more perfect, as the owl's nesting season typically runs from late December through January. A second egg was laid on January 6th.
A Hopeful Reunion Last year, a pair of Great Horned Owls occupied the same nest but faced disappointment as no hatchlings emerged. However, this year's occupants seem hopeful, possibly returning for another shot at parenthood. Robin Storey, treasurer for the land trust, believes these might be the same owls from last year, based on their behavior and appearance.
The Intricacies of Nesting Great Horned Owls typically lay a clutch of two eggs, though the count can range from one to four eggs. Unlike simultaneous laying, a couple of days usually separate the production of each egg. The incubation period for this owl species spans from 28 to 35 days.
The Legacy of Raptor CAM: Connecting People to Wildlife Russell Patterson, a devoted Beaufort County native and longtime Hilton Head resident, was the driving force behind the installation of Raptor CAM. His fascination with wildlife and eagles led to the installation of this unobtrusive camera, allowing remote observation of the nest.
A Community of Worldwide Viewers Since its inception, the Raptor CAM has welcomed over 1.3 million virtual visitors from around the globe. It started with the captivating journey of a pair of bald eagles hatching two eaglets in their first season. Although tragedy struck before the eaglets could fledge, the camera brought the world closer to nature.
Nature's Staggered Nesting Cycle Nature has its own way of orchestrating life's cycles. Eagles start the nesting season, followed by owls, and then ospreys. Great Horned Owls, in particular, often return to the same nest year after year, creating a beautiful story of continuity.
Stay Tuned for More Surprises Keep an eye on the Raptor CAM more exciting moments! Nature's magic unfolds before our eyes, and you can be part of this extraordinary journey.
Nature never ceases to amaze us, and our Raptor Cam is living proof of its wonders. It bridges the gap between humanity and the wild, offering a glimpse into the enchanting world of our feathered neighbors. As we eagerly anticipate the birth of new hatchlings, let's come together to celebrate the beauty of Hilton Head's wildlife.
For the latest updates on the Raptor CAM and the owl family, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Join us on this incredible journey of discovery!
Don't miss out on the thrilling owl nesting season—tune in to the Raptor CAM and become a part of this extraordinary experience!
Read the full article here: Post & Courier Article