I am a veterinarian in Coeur d'Alene and I take in a few sick or injured
birds each year. I currently have two Great Horned Owls in the hospital.
The one was injured and is doing fine.

The other I took in four days ago and it seems healthy. When found in
someone's barnyard, it didn't seem to be able to fly and did not much resist
being captured. It was well muscled and fat, and now flies fine. It is,
however, considerably smaller than the other. It also has body plumage
(especially around the legs) that suggests that this bird is a fledgling.

My question concerns breeding patterns in Great Horned Owls. Our owls are
just now beginning courtship. How unusual would it be to have a fledgling
now?

Any help would be appreciated.

Stephen Lindsay
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
slindsay at dmi.net