2022 Northern Spotted Owl kids

Play is universal, but for animals and birds, play is integral to survival. What these Northern Spotted Owl kids are doing looks like playing, but they are honing their dexterity, eye/beak coordination and hand sensitivity--skills that will help them become successful hunters when they grow up.
I was especially interested in the way the owl kid lifted the stubborn branch over her/his head.
This footage was filmed with a long lens with the intention of disturbing the owls as little as possible, and I didn't stick around after this video was taken.
The Northern Spotted Owls are endangered on the federal and state level in California. Humans can help protect them by limiting the time they spend in their areas. Keep Northern Spotted Owl locations secret, keep dogs leashed in known Northern Spotted Owl nesting locations during nesting season, and report Barred Owl sightings. Learn more here: marinaudubon.o...