GREAT-HORNED OWL HOUSEKEEPING

Great horned owls do not build their own nests and do not engage in much nest maintenance activity either. They are not adept at re-arranging sticks in the nest. Food scraps usually remain until they are eaten and might be especially important if hunting is unsuccessful for a day or two. Droppings are directed over the edge of the nest by the nestlings as soon as they are capable of moving around. Pellets deteriorate quickly and become part of the nest. Jim Ozier (DNR Program Manager/Wildlife Biologist, Nongame Conservation)