Tawny owl

Description:

Today (21th of May) these chicks are 13 days old. Today, I saw one of them more plainly, looked like it was guarding the entrance to the nest. I saw him/her sleeping too, but again, boldly filling the frame of the hole.

Habitat:

Found in woods, at some 4m of height, in an area of mixed use; plenty of agricultural fields, some wetlands and some protected woods, all located in Geneva lake valley, French side;

Notes:

While taking shots, I remain hidden, as much as possible and try not to disturb the nest and chicks. I'm observing the nest from a distance of some 20 m, through branches and leaves, and from the pathway... However, sometimes, when shooting, I have the impression the chick sees me and look at my direction through branches and leaves... I don't know about the chick, but the mother did see me, for sure! She, while remaining hidden, sees everybody. She reacts with a soft call, hardly heard, every time someone walks by... Last week, these calls were signals for chicks to hide, and they would - today, I just saw one of them barely opening eyes...