This material tends to insulate the nest, holding the mother's heat in. This skin rests against the eggs, but her body feathers surround them on the sides, and the insulating material in the nest keeps the cold out below. Virtually all birds, including owls, roll their eggs once or twice a day. This helps ensure that the babies all develop properly, with the whole bird warmed rather than just one side. Rolling the eggs also prevents the little developing chicks from sticking to the shell.
Owls are well-adapted for finding food in winter.
So the male Great Horned Owl can usually hunt successfully to feed himself and his mate both, and when the babies hatch in March and early April, the parents will be able to find food enough for most of them. Incubation of the eggs usually takes a bit over a month, and the babies remain in the nest for about six weeks-by the time they fledge and begin learning how to hunt, there will be an abundance of inexperienced young mammals available for them to practice on. In the body of the message, give your answer to the question above. C opyright 2000 Journey North. All Rights Reserved.