As all four of Luna's owlets fledge, there are a few clumsy moments! Not only did two tawny owlets slip, but after the final chick fledged Luna & Shadow became so confused to find the nest empty that for a little while that chick didn't get its dinner.
Branching owlets
Tawny owl chicks often fledge the nest before they are quite ready amd rely on their claws and beaks to help them climb and hang on to trees while they develop their flight feathers and skills. This stage is known as 'branching', since the owlets literally hop from branch to branch, and is dependent on the parent birds hearing their calls so they continue to get fed. There are often accidents and sure enough two of the fledglings fall - the first on its first landing attempt and the second actually falls directly from the nest. But they are surprisingly good climbers and are soon back in the treetops, calling for food.
Adults feed on branches
After the last of the owlets, Rain, fledged the nest, Shadow was a little slow on the uptake and actually flew straight past the hungry owlet to take the food to the empty nest. In the confusion Luna took the food for herself. Thankfully Shadow heard the owlet's calls and returned to the branch with a new offering!
It's been magical watching the owlets perfect their flying skills in the trees around Fotherdale.
