ellie & albert - resident Great horned owlsThe female is Ellie. The male is Albert. They have nested on the Ellis Bird Farm for many years.
We Need a New Webcam System!
We apologize for the EBF webcams being so unreliable. Part of the problem is because of increased bandwidth demand, but the main issue is that we do not have a proper commercial webcam system in place. To this end, we are asking viewers to support us by donating to the EBF Webcam Upgrade. We will use these funds to install a reliable, high quality system. We will accept cheques (Box 5090, Lacombe, AB T4L 1W7) or you can easily donate to us through Canada Helps (button below) All donations are tax deductible. Thank you for your support! 
ELLIE, ALBERT & OWLETS - THANK YOU AND GOODBYE!
April 27,2020. Walter, Minnie, Fred and Rose.
Rose - hatched April 4, 2020
Fred - hatched April 5, 2020 Minnie - hatched April 8, 2020 Walter - fostered to EBF nest April 27, 2020 (a rescue from Medicine River Wildlife Centre). |
Enjoy our Ellie, Albert, Wilma and Windy scrapbook!Cat Perry, Rick Zemanek, Kathleen Evon and Carolyn Sandstrom have teamed up to create a beautiful scrapbook about the story of Ellie and Albert and their two owlets, Wilma and Windy.
Take the time to look through this amazing scrapbook! |
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Fostering Walter: A Video by Leo de Groot
Also can be seen on YouTube here.
Also can be seen on YouTube here.
2020 - WEBCAM SCREENSHOTS OF ELLIE AND ALBERT'S NEST
2020 ObSERVATIONS & NOTES:
Feb 1: We heard the female at the nest last night around midnight and then today there was this crater in the snow.
Feb 25: Ellie is in the nest. Albert came in first with prey, then Ellie came in, she took and ate the prey and he left. - Kathleen Evon
Feb 29: We have our first egg of the season! - Kathleen Evon
Mar 3: Second egg first seen about 3pm and confirmed at 6:41pm when Ellie took her break. - Kathleen Evon
Mar 7: Third egg now! It may have been laid late yesterday - Kathleen Evon
Mar 24: Yesterday morning, we feared that tragedy had befallen Ellie and Albert when a security guard checking the EBF site contacted us to report that he had found a dead owl just inside the main gate. It had apparently been struck by a vehicle. Worried that it was Albert, one of our chat moderators watched the webcams carefully all night to see if Ellie had been widowed. Thankfully, he appeared at 6:45 this morning with a mouse for Ellie! It is a mystery why there was another owl in the vicinity but we are relieved to know that all is well with our beloved owls. We would like to say a special thank you to Cat and Kathleen for watching the webcams and documenting the activities at this nest. - Myrna Pearman
Apr 4: We have our first hatch of 2020. Welcome Rose! Owlet first seen by a chatter at 6:10am and confirmed this evening when Ellie took her break. A couple of screenshots are attached, including Albert delivering a little mouse after Ellie returned to the nest.
Apr 4: We have our second hatch of 2020. Welcome Fred! Saw a second baby at 943 pm. Albert brought a mouse at 11:02 pm but didn't stay around like the other night. -Walter and Ross/Kathleen Evon
Apr 8: Sometime today we had the 3rd hatch, confirmed when Ellie took her evening fly-about. Welcome Minnie! -Kathleen Evon
Apr 8: Just saw the third baby! The light wasn't dark enough for good screen shots and the rabbit from the other night is in the way but we definitely saw another baby. She left the nest at 8:45 pm and the littlest one was there....even tried to climb onto and hug the siblings. Congratulations to Ellie and Albert! -Walter and Ross
Apr 9: Ellie left the nest at 840 pm today and returned at 9 with something way bigger than a mouse, possibly a squirrel, even though there is still some rabbit there. All three babies moved when she first left but then cuddled up as they cooled off. -Walter and Ross
Apr 12: Ellie was different last night hooting for Albert from around 6 pm then by 7 she started feeding the owlets from the old dead squirrel. One little one is already just like her in eating habits ! A feed is very intense now for sure. Still she was restless after that, moving the rest of the squirrel and the old dead rabbit. She left the nest at 8pm with the dead rabbit and came back at 8:10 with it still in her mouth. Later on another dead but fresh rabbit was seen, not sure if it was delivered or if she hunted as I missed that. She didn't feed it to the young then, just more squirrel at 10:09 pm. Albert did come with a mouse. -Walter and Ross
Apr 13: Saw Ellie leave nest at 8:54 pm and she didn't return until 9:30-empty handed The chick bundle wasn't clear enough to see if there were 3-or just 2. Albert brought a mouse at 10:38 and again at 10:46 pm. All the while she was feeding the owlets we again couldn't tell if there were still 3 -sure hope so! -Walter and Ross
Apr 14: Chicks are more active now and Ellie seems to spend more time feeding (and grooming) them. One likes to peek out Tonight she left nest at Apr 16: What a good owl watching evening. The chicks were sunning themselves. The nest was full of "supplies." Albert came at 7:15 PM (BC time) and offered Ellie one item from that "larder" which she accepted and then fed to her babies. At 7:40 PM she hooted on and off, then left the nest at 7:50 PM and returned at 8:02 PM with something big (possibly a squirrel or a gopher). She seemed to "arrange" it. At 8:10 PM she left again, but quickly returned at 8:16 PM with a small mouse or vole This food item she used as a " "training" session for all three owlets. At 8:27 PM she repeated this behaviour and returned at 8:32 PM with another vole. At 8:35 PM she left once again. She was back at 8:50 PM, again with something big enough to be "arranged" in her larder. The owlets were a delight: preening, being groomed, feeding, competing, copying and--best of all--snuggling each other and their mom. Ellie finally seemed to settle for the night so we did too. -Walter and Ross
Apr 17: There seems to have been a run on gophers in the last couple of days, I counted at least 6 on the nest this morning. I am surprised Albert can catch so many, I thought they were daytime critters! -Kathleen Evon
Apr 18: Something different happened tonight !! At 8:06 PM Ellie left as usual. But then at 8:15 PM, Albert came with a mouse While in the nest- dangling it over the chicks -Ellie came back. She was empty handed so he passed it over to her then of course she started feeding her brood. They are all growing and showing signs of personalities now and fitting them all under her is like watching a side show. -observations sent to us by Walter and Ross (Vancouver Island)
Apr 20: Spring is here! Ellie is content on the nest with her owlets! The oldest two can be seen peeking their heads out, enjoying the sunshine. -Myrna Pearman
Apr 20: Although Albert recently caught one of our resident Snowshoe Hares to feed his family, we are pleased to report that we saw two hares feeding together on April 20 at the site. We hope that they will produce their own family sometime soon. -Myrna Pearman
Apr 22: Starting to see a possible pattern. Tonight Ellie left nest at 10:01 pm. Albert came at 10:06 with a mouse for Rose. Then at 10:08 Ellie returned with a mouse for Fred. Both chicks ate them whole. At 10:22 Albert returned with a mouse he gave to Ellie who in turn "gave " it to Minnie. She is still too young to copy her siblings but showed interest in it. Ellie then broke it up for her. Her appetite and stamina seem to be increasing-whew. Another pattern is Ellie grooming Rose a lot and as soon as Ellie leaves Rose starts grooming herself. The best part though is watching the comedy of Ellie trying to disengage her feet when she wants to leave. It's hard to do when the owlets are sitting on them!
Apr 24: A first. At 10:39 pm yesterday Albert came back. Earlier he had brought a big mouse to Rose (or Fred). This time he had a smaller one and he offered it to Minnie-she was interested but unsure. Then Ellie came back and he handed off the mouse. Minnie then ate it whole when Ellie offered it to her !! All day it seemed that Ellie was feeding Minnie more often. She was doing a lot of fussing with her larder-rearranging it- poking it and looking at it. She had brought a mouse in earlier but just added it to the new pile. At 10:49 she left for the longest time, coming back at 11:47 and just sitting for awhile watching the chicks. When she re-entered nest she greeted them but didn't feed or groom any, just again rearranged the larder. During that time Albert didn't reappear so they were alone for all that time with the wind blowing. -Walter and Ross
Apr 26: Ellie and Albert will have another baby added to their family tomorrow! The Medicine River Wildlife Centre has an abandoned owlet that will be fostered to the EBF nest tomorrow morning at 10 AM. The Medicine River Wildlife Centre as well as an owl expert and bander, Rick Morse, will be on hand to orchestrate the big event. Rick will band the foster owlet, then climb the tree, place the foster owlet in the nest, then band the other three owlets. -Myrna Pearman
Apr 27: All went well. Ellie and Albert were concerned, but they didn't attack. The entire process took only about 20 minutes. Ellie was back on the nest shortly after the procedure. The bander left 3 extra squirrels in the nest as a token of our appreciation. A big thanks to bander Rick Morse and Judy Boyd of Medicine River Wildlife Centre for handling all the logistics. We hope to have some video clips and images up soon. In the meantime, here is a pic of the 4 new siblings (taken by the bander at the nest). -Myrna Pearman
Apr 27: The new owlet has been named Walter (in honour of our BC cam watcher who sends us a daily post!)! -Myrna Pearman
Apr 27: What excitement there was today with the fostering of Walter! Ellie and Albert were not impressed with the disturbance, but bander Rick Morse worked quickly and was gentle and efficient. Ellie returned to the nest shortly after we left the scene. Although we had some technical issues with the webcams, viewers collected many memorable screen shots . -Myrna Pearman
Apr 27: Fascinating day of fostering! Among all that though tonight Ellie at 9:44 pm left with a choice squirrel-one of the "gifts" from this morning. While she was gone Albert came and fed Rose a mouse then hung around looking at the chicks. Ellie was back quickly and dropped the squirrel at Albert's feet but he left. She stayed in nest not feeding , and left again at 9:51...and so far at 11 pm hasn't returned. -Walter and Ross
Apr 28: Got to watch Albert come tonight. He had a mouse but instead of feeding one of the chicks he must have been told by Ellie to go around. So he did and came down the branch to hand it to her. She had just fed Rose and Minnie and gave the mouse to Fred This is one mom who runs a tight ship. -Walter and Ross
Apr 28: After all the excitement of yesterday, a walk by the nest last evening yielded a bit of a glare from Ellie! But the family seems to be doing well. -Myrna Pearman
Apr 31: What a feeding time last night between 9pm and 10:30. We saw Ellie leave the nest 3 times and come back with different sized meals. She fed mostly Fred and also herself. We saw Albert feed Minnie twice and he also brought food to Walter. The newest, Walter, ate it whole like a trooper. -Walter and Ross
May 2: They are growing fast and left alone more often. It's interesting to see them all stretch their wings and trying to eat the leftover food. The wings when unfolded are huge. All such different personalities . Walter the smallest, for now, is still whiter than Minnie. Fred is probably a bit bigger than Rose and has the darker eyes. Rose is the busiest preener and Fred likes to lay his head down, usually on a catch. Both get close to the edges. Last night Fred looked like he would follow Ellie out on the branch. -Walter and Ross
May 2: Happy Birthday Rose! She is 1 month old today. We hope they have a better night than last night. They all looked soaking wet this morning, almost resembling cats after a bath. Tomorrow Fred will also turn 1 month old. Kudos to Ellie and Albert -Walter and Ross
May 7: At 8:25 am, almost Mother's day, it's nice to see that they aren't too old yet to still snuggle their mom. Ellie has been leaving them alone more, day and night. She likes to watch them from her perch on "the" branch, and to see how they handle food she leaves them. Yesterday we saw something with bird feet in there and the antics at the edge continue. Fred even looked like he was "playing" with a stick. -Walter and Ross
May 8: At 6:47 pm we saw only 3 chicks in the nest. Worried until we noticed a chick out on a limb so to speak . It was Rose . There was food in the nest but she seemed way more interested going back and forth, in and out, off and on to "the" branch. Ellie joined the 3 in the nest and started feeding the youngest ones, every once in a while looking up at Rose. Wonder who will copy Rose (and their mom) next? -Walter and Ross
May 13: Only 3 owlets in nest this morning 8:24 am. Last night we saw food being dropped off, once to Rose and twice to Fred, by either Ellie or Albert (3 times in 10 minutes so probably both parents feeding) Rose went out on the branch but this time out of sight and still had not returned when we stopped watching at 11:30 pm. -Walter and Ross
May 17: Some different behaviour at the nest these past 2 days. Yesterday Ellie fed the little ones supper. Fred was there but soon left. He returned for the later feeding and did sleep in the nest. He left again at lunch today and hasn't been back since. Today at the suppertime feeding Ellie only fed Walter, then she left. Minnie went on the branch until she was out of sight and as yet hasn't returned. No late night feeding so far and only Walter in the nest. Asleep since 10pm but now awake so maybe Ellie will still come-or Minnie to cuddle with. No sign of Albert in a long time and haven't seen Rose in the nest since the 13th. -Walter and Ross
May 18: It was nice to see Minnie back and snuggling with Walter at 7:45 am -unsure when she came back to nest. As yet there is no sign of Ellie and food. The left over rabbit leg has been picked more than clean. -Walter and Ross
May 24: I, Walter, have now ventured off the nest into my new world, so EBF is shutting down the webcams. My thanks to all of you who watched and cheered for us this year! Ellis Bird Farm appreciates all the donations to support the installation next year of a new, more stable system! - Myrna Pearman
Feb 25: Ellie is in the nest. Albert came in first with prey, then Ellie came in, she took and ate the prey and he left. - Kathleen Evon
Feb 29: We have our first egg of the season! - Kathleen Evon
Mar 3: Second egg first seen about 3pm and confirmed at 6:41pm when Ellie took her break. - Kathleen Evon
Mar 7: Third egg now! It may have been laid late yesterday - Kathleen Evon
Mar 24: Yesterday morning, we feared that tragedy had befallen Ellie and Albert when a security guard checking the EBF site contacted us to report that he had found a dead owl just inside the main gate. It had apparently been struck by a vehicle. Worried that it was Albert, one of our chat moderators watched the webcams carefully all night to see if Ellie had been widowed. Thankfully, he appeared at 6:45 this morning with a mouse for Ellie! It is a mystery why there was another owl in the vicinity but we are relieved to know that all is well with our beloved owls. We would like to say a special thank you to Cat and Kathleen for watching the webcams and documenting the activities at this nest. - Myrna Pearman
Apr 4: We have our first hatch of 2020. Welcome Rose! Owlet first seen by a chatter at 6:10am and confirmed this evening when Ellie took her break. A couple of screenshots are attached, including Albert delivering a little mouse after Ellie returned to the nest.
Apr 4: We have our second hatch of 2020. Welcome Fred! Saw a second baby at 943 pm. Albert brought a mouse at 11:02 pm but didn't stay around like the other night. -Walter and Ross/Kathleen Evon
Apr 8: Sometime today we had the 3rd hatch, confirmed when Ellie took her evening fly-about. Welcome Minnie! -Kathleen Evon
Apr 8: Just saw the third baby! The light wasn't dark enough for good screen shots and the rabbit from the other night is in the way but we definitely saw another baby. She left the nest at 8:45 pm and the littlest one was there....even tried to climb onto and hug the siblings. Congratulations to Ellie and Albert! -Walter and Ross
Apr 9: Ellie left the nest at 840 pm today and returned at 9 with something way bigger than a mouse, possibly a squirrel, even though there is still some rabbit there. All three babies moved when she first left but then cuddled up as they cooled off. -Walter and Ross
Apr 12: Ellie was different last night hooting for Albert from around 6 pm then by 7 she started feeding the owlets from the old dead squirrel. One little one is already just like her in eating habits ! A feed is very intense now for sure. Still she was restless after that, moving the rest of the squirrel and the old dead rabbit. She left the nest at 8pm with the dead rabbit and came back at 8:10 with it still in her mouth. Later on another dead but fresh rabbit was seen, not sure if it was delivered or if she hunted as I missed that. She didn't feed it to the young then, just more squirrel at 10:09 pm. Albert did come with a mouse. -Walter and Ross
Apr 13: Saw Ellie leave nest at 8:54 pm and she didn't return until 9:30-empty handed The chick bundle wasn't clear enough to see if there were 3-or just 2. Albert brought a mouse at 10:38 and again at 10:46 pm. All the while she was feeding the owlets we again couldn't tell if there were still 3 -sure hope so! -Walter and Ross
Apr 14: Chicks are more active now and Ellie seems to spend more time feeding (and grooming) them. One likes to peek out Tonight she left nest at Apr 16: What a good owl watching evening. The chicks were sunning themselves. The nest was full of "supplies." Albert came at 7:15 PM (BC time) and offered Ellie one item from that "larder" which she accepted and then fed to her babies. At 7:40 PM she hooted on and off, then left the nest at 7:50 PM and returned at 8:02 PM with something big (possibly a squirrel or a gopher). She seemed to "arrange" it. At 8:10 PM she left again, but quickly returned at 8:16 PM with a small mouse or vole This food item she used as a " "training" session for all three owlets. At 8:27 PM she repeated this behaviour and returned at 8:32 PM with another vole. At 8:35 PM she left once again. She was back at 8:50 PM, again with something big enough to be "arranged" in her larder. The owlets were a delight: preening, being groomed, feeding, competing, copying and--best of all--snuggling each other and their mom. Ellie finally seemed to settle for the night so we did too. -Walter and Ross
Apr 17: There seems to have been a run on gophers in the last couple of days, I counted at least 6 on the nest this morning. I am surprised Albert can catch so many, I thought they were daytime critters! -Kathleen Evon
Apr 18: Something different happened tonight !! At 8:06 PM Ellie left as usual. But then at 8:15 PM, Albert came with a mouse While in the nest- dangling it over the chicks -Ellie came back. She was empty handed so he passed it over to her then of course she started feeding her brood. They are all growing and showing signs of personalities now and fitting them all under her is like watching a side show. -observations sent to us by Walter and Ross (Vancouver Island)
Apr 20: Spring is here! Ellie is content on the nest with her owlets! The oldest two can be seen peeking their heads out, enjoying the sunshine. -Myrna Pearman
Apr 20: Although Albert recently caught one of our resident Snowshoe Hares to feed his family, we are pleased to report that we saw two hares feeding together on April 20 at the site. We hope that they will produce their own family sometime soon. -Myrna Pearman
Apr 22: Starting to see a possible pattern. Tonight Ellie left nest at 10:01 pm. Albert came at 10:06 with a mouse for Rose. Then at 10:08 Ellie returned with a mouse for Fred. Both chicks ate them whole. At 10:22 Albert returned with a mouse he gave to Ellie who in turn "gave " it to Minnie. She is still too young to copy her siblings but showed interest in it. Ellie then broke it up for her. Her appetite and stamina seem to be increasing-whew. Another pattern is Ellie grooming Rose a lot and as soon as Ellie leaves Rose starts grooming herself. The best part though is watching the comedy of Ellie trying to disengage her feet when she wants to leave. It's hard to do when the owlets are sitting on them!
Apr 24: A first. At 10:39 pm yesterday Albert came back. Earlier he had brought a big mouse to Rose (or Fred). This time he had a smaller one and he offered it to Minnie-she was interested but unsure. Then Ellie came back and he handed off the mouse. Minnie then ate it whole when Ellie offered it to her !! All day it seemed that Ellie was feeding Minnie more often. She was doing a lot of fussing with her larder-rearranging it- poking it and looking at it. She had brought a mouse in earlier but just added it to the new pile. At 10:49 she left for the longest time, coming back at 11:47 and just sitting for awhile watching the chicks. When she re-entered nest she greeted them but didn't feed or groom any, just again rearranged the larder. During that time Albert didn't reappear so they were alone for all that time with the wind blowing. -Walter and Ross
Apr 26: Ellie and Albert will have another baby added to their family tomorrow! The Medicine River Wildlife Centre has an abandoned owlet that will be fostered to the EBF nest tomorrow morning at 10 AM. The Medicine River Wildlife Centre as well as an owl expert and bander, Rick Morse, will be on hand to orchestrate the big event. Rick will band the foster owlet, then climb the tree, place the foster owlet in the nest, then band the other three owlets. -Myrna Pearman
Apr 27: All went well. Ellie and Albert were concerned, but they didn't attack. The entire process took only about 20 minutes. Ellie was back on the nest shortly after the procedure. The bander left 3 extra squirrels in the nest as a token of our appreciation. A big thanks to bander Rick Morse and Judy Boyd of Medicine River Wildlife Centre for handling all the logistics. We hope to have some video clips and images up soon. In the meantime, here is a pic of the 4 new siblings (taken by the bander at the nest). -Myrna Pearman
Apr 27: The new owlet has been named Walter (in honour of our BC cam watcher who sends us a daily post!)! -Myrna Pearman
Apr 27: What excitement there was today with the fostering of Walter! Ellie and Albert were not impressed with the disturbance, but bander Rick Morse worked quickly and was gentle and efficient. Ellie returned to the nest shortly after we left the scene. Although we had some technical issues with the webcams, viewers collected many memorable screen shots . -Myrna Pearman
Apr 27: Fascinating day of fostering! Among all that though tonight Ellie at 9:44 pm left with a choice squirrel-one of the "gifts" from this morning. While she was gone Albert came and fed Rose a mouse then hung around looking at the chicks. Ellie was back quickly and dropped the squirrel at Albert's feet but he left. She stayed in nest not feeding , and left again at 9:51...and so far at 11 pm hasn't returned. -Walter and Ross
Apr 28: Got to watch Albert come tonight. He had a mouse but instead of feeding one of the chicks he must have been told by Ellie to go around. So he did and came down the branch to hand it to her. She had just fed Rose and Minnie and gave the mouse to Fred This is one mom who runs a tight ship. -Walter and Ross
Apr 28: After all the excitement of yesterday, a walk by the nest last evening yielded a bit of a glare from Ellie! But the family seems to be doing well. -Myrna Pearman
Apr 31: What a feeding time last night between 9pm and 10:30. We saw Ellie leave the nest 3 times and come back with different sized meals. She fed mostly Fred and also herself. We saw Albert feed Minnie twice and he also brought food to Walter. The newest, Walter, ate it whole like a trooper. -Walter and Ross
May 2: They are growing fast and left alone more often. It's interesting to see them all stretch their wings and trying to eat the leftover food. The wings when unfolded are huge. All such different personalities . Walter the smallest, for now, is still whiter than Minnie. Fred is probably a bit bigger than Rose and has the darker eyes. Rose is the busiest preener and Fred likes to lay his head down, usually on a catch. Both get close to the edges. Last night Fred looked like he would follow Ellie out on the branch. -Walter and Ross
May 2: Happy Birthday Rose! She is 1 month old today. We hope they have a better night than last night. They all looked soaking wet this morning, almost resembling cats after a bath. Tomorrow Fred will also turn 1 month old. Kudos to Ellie and Albert -Walter and Ross
May 7: At 8:25 am, almost Mother's day, it's nice to see that they aren't too old yet to still snuggle their mom. Ellie has been leaving them alone more, day and night. She likes to watch them from her perch on "the" branch, and to see how they handle food she leaves them. Yesterday we saw something with bird feet in there and the antics at the edge continue. Fred even looked like he was "playing" with a stick. -Walter and Ross
May 8: At 6:47 pm we saw only 3 chicks in the nest. Worried until we noticed a chick out on a limb so to speak . It was Rose . There was food in the nest but she seemed way more interested going back and forth, in and out, off and on to "the" branch. Ellie joined the 3 in the nest and started feeding the youngest ones, every once in a while looking up at Rose. Wonder who will copy Rose (and their mom) next? -Walter and Ross
May 13: Only 3 owlets in nest this morning 8:24 am. Last night we saw food being dropped off, once to Rose and twice to Fred, by either Ellie or Albert (3 times in 10 minutes so probably both parents feeding) Rose went out on the branch but this time out of sight and still had not returned when we stopped watching at 11:30 pm. -Walter and Ross
May 17: Some different behaviour at the nest these past 2 days. Yesterday Ellie fed the little ones supper. Fred was there but soon left. He returned for the later feeding and did sleep in the nest. He left again at lunch today and hasn't been back since. Today at the suppertime feeding Ellie only fed Walter, then she left. Minnie went on the branch until she was out of sight and as yet hasn't returned. No late night feeding so far and only Walter in the nest. Asleep since 10pm but now awake so maybe Ellie will still come-or Minnie to cuddle with. No sign of Albert in a long time and haven't seen Rose in the nest since the 13th. -Walter and Ross
May 18: It was nice to see Minnie back and snuggling with Walter at 7:45 am -unsure when she came back to nest. As yet there is no sign of Ellie and food. The left over rabbit leg has been picked more than clean. -Walter and Ross
May 24: I, Walter, have now ventured off the nest into my new world, so EBF is shutting down the webcams. My thanks to all of you who watched and cheered for us this year! Ellis Bird Farm appreciates all the donations to support the installation next year of a new, more stable system! - Myrna Pearman
2019 - WEBCAM SCREENSHOTS OF ELLIE AND ALBERT'S NEST
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First owlet - Tyson - hatched April 10th, 2019 - Fledged May 24, 2019
Second owlet - Bree - hatched April 12th, 2019 - Fledged between the 24th and 26th. Third owlet - Buster - hatched April 14th, 2019 - Fledged between the 24th and 26th. 
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Video of Ellie, Tyson, Bree and Buster - April 19, 2019
- Kat (Kathleen Evon) |
2018 - WEBCAM SCREENSHOTS OF ELLIE AND ALBERT'S NEST.
2018 Observations & Notes:
JAN 29, 2018 - Ellie is seen at the barn seemingly watching over the farm. - Myrna Pearman
JAN 30, 2018- Albert visited the nest between 5:28 - 5:34pm, hooting and digging in the snowy nest. After Albert flew off he and Ellie could be heard hooting back and forth until about 5:56pm. -Kathleen Evon
APR 10-11, 2018 - Both owls visited the nest last night and again tonight. Both times first the male came into the nest poked around a bit and left, then the female came in. 4/10 male at nest 8:20-8:38pm and female at nest 8:41-9:02pm. 4/11 male at nest 7:02-7:09pm and female at nest 7:55-8:41pm. - Kathleen Evon
APR 11, 2018 - As we enter the cool and slowly-progressing spring season, all eyes at Ellis Bird Farm have been on Ellie and Albert, our resident Great Horned Owls, and on their nest. Last year, the owls had settled on the nest by January 29th. This year, however, we had given up all hope until April 10, when they both appeared at the nest and engaged in courtship activity. There are a few factors that may be causing a delay in Great Horned Owls nesting this year: last fall saw very cold temperatures and then rain before the snow fell. These conditions likely caused a huge mouse/vole die off. The snow pack also presents challenges: the rodents are very hard to access because the snow is thick with several crust layers. A very cold and snowy spring is also causing them to postpone nesting. - Myrna Pearman
Despite showing interest at the nest site, it appears that Ellie and Albert will not be nesting this year. The owl population has been hard bit by a very tough winter and reports are coming in of very few owls actually nesting. Let's hope that next year will be more successful.
JAN 29, 2018 - Ellie is seen at the barn seemingly watching over the farm. - Myrna Pearman
JAN 30, 2018- Albert visited the nest between 5:28 - 5:34pm, hooting and digging in the snowy nest. After Albert flew off he and Ellie could be heard hooting back and forth until about 5:56pm. -Kathleen Evon
APR 10-11, 2018 - Both owls visited the nest last night and again tonight. Both times first the male came into the nest poked around a bit and left, then the female came in. 4/10 male at nest 8:20-8:38pm and female at nest 8:41-9:02pm. 4/11 male at nest 7:02-7:09pm and female at nest 7:55-8:41pm. - Kathleen Evon
APR 11, 2018 - As we enter the cool and slowly-progressing spring season, all eyes at Ellis Bird Farm have been on Ellie and Albert, our resident Great Horned Owls, and on their nest. Last year, the owls had settled on the nest by January 29th. This year, however, we had given up all hope until April 10, when they both appeared at the nest and engaged in courtship activity. There are a few factors that may be causing a delay in Great Horned Owls nesting this year: last fall saw very cold temperatures and then rain before the snow fell. These conditions likely caused a huge mouse/vole die off. The snow pack also presents challenges: the rodents are very hard to access because the snow is thick with several crust layers. A very cold and snowy spring is also causing them to postpone nesting. - Myrna Pearman
Despite showing interest at the nest site, it appears that Ellie and Albert will not be nesting this year. The owl population has been hard bit by a very tough winter and reports are coming in of very few owls actually nesting. Let's hope that next year will be more successful.
2017 - Ellie & Albert - Sara - Boo - Sam
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2017 Webcam Highlights
JAN 19 – Albert observed working on the nest, during which consistent vocalisations are heard between Ellie and Albert JAN 20 – FEB 1 – both Ellie and Albert observed spending increasing durations at the nest FEB 6 – mating whistle overheard FEB 12 – more nest maintenance, Ellie rearranges twigs in nest MAR 2 – first egg laid, confirmed at 4:07 PM MAR 5 – two eggs, confirmed at 8:46 AM MAR 8 – three eggs confirmed APR 5 – Sara hatches between midnight and 1:30 AM APR 7 – Boo hatches APR 10 – Sam hatches early morning MAY 17 – Sara fledges MAY 20 – Boo and Sam fledges MAY 22 – last observed activity in the nest |
2017 - Webcam screenshots of Ellie and Albert's nest.
2017 Observations & Notes:
JAN 19, 2017-Albert visits the nest 5:15 - 5:53pm. Clucking, hooting and working on the nest bowl. Ellie answers his hoots starting about 5:28pm, lovely duetting going on for awhile. -TyrolKat
JAN 20, 2017 - 5:30PM- Ellie visited the nest for six minutes, checking it out. - Carolyn Sandstrom
JAN 21, 2017- Ellie came back in the nest tonight and stayed for about a half hour! - Myrna Pearman
Jan 23, 2017- 3 PM- The nest is dusted with fresh snow. -Carolyn Sandstrom
Jan 23, 2017- 5:40-6:10 PM- Ellie comes to the nest, roots around, then settles in for half an hour. All the while she and Albert are hooting back and forth. -Carolyn Sandstrom
Jan 24, 2017 - Adult sat on the nest 5:40 - 7:20pm. A nice snooze
Feb 1, 2017 - Ellie was on the nest almost 3 hours. - TyrolKat
Feb 6, 2017-Hooting by both owls about 4:20 - 6:11pm, the mating whistle heard at 6:12pm, then all quiet. - TyrolKat
Feb 7, 2017 - 6:42 PM Ellie walked down to nest and then left, leaving footprints behind. - jean567
Feb 12, 2017-Approx 6:30-7:30PM. Ellie enthusiastically rearranged the small twigs in her nesting spot. She then sat for about half an hour.
Feb 15, 2017- 8:45 AM - Ellie is sitting quietly on her nest this morning. Will she soon be laying her first egg? - Myrna Pearman
Feb 17, 2017 - Albert was at the nest 6:05 - 6:12pm - TyrolKat
Feb 21, 2017 - Ellie was at the nest from 6:10pm when she landed on the branch, until she left at 7:40pm. 1 1/2 hrs - TyrolKat
Feb 24, 2017 - Both Ellie and Albert are visiting the nest and staying for different periods of time. - Carolyn Sandstrom
Feb 25, 2017 - Last year 1st egg laid on today's date Feb-25 but previous year not til Mar-16 so any time now Ellie. - donnadolittle
Feb 26, 2017 - Ellie in the nest 5:38 - 8:06pm. Quite a lot of hooting by both owls tonight.- TyrolKat
Feb 27, 2017 -9AM- Ellie is on the nest and we are all waiting for the the first egg! - Carolyn Sandstrom
Mar 2, 2017 - Ellie laid her first egg today! Confirmed at 4:07pm. Ellie up on the branch. - TyrolKat
MAR 5 , 2017 -Isn't it amazing?? I watched her for a bit this morning.. just watching her breathing while she slept. Truly amazing! - Myrna Pearman
MAR 5 , 2017 - Two eggs! Noted at 8:46 AM. Ellie looking lovingly at her two eggs... with frosted eyelashes. - Terry- chat tj78
MAR 8 , 2017 -12:-03 am. Albert was observed bringing a rodent to Ellie. - jean567
MAR 10 , 2017 -Confirming Ellie has laid three eggs. March 2nd, March 4th and March 8th. - Kathleen Evon
MAR 12 , 2017 -8:02 PM. Thanks to Kathleen Evon who got the first screenshot of Ellie's three eggs when she went she left the nest temporarily.
APR 5 , 2017 -Sara hatched between midnight and 1:30 AM. I started watching which was around 12:30 Ellie was restless and pecking under her belly. At 1:28 she eats egg-shell. -Jonne
APR 10 , 2017 -Sam hatched early morning. First noted by chat girl Jonne. - Carolyn Sandstrom
APR 7 , 2017 -Boo hatched. Carolyn Sandstrom
MAY 21 , 2017 - At 6:42pm the owlet came into the nest from the lower left corner of the Channel-1 camera view then hopped up onto the back branch. He went out to the end of the branch for a couple of minutes then came back into the nest. At 6:50pm he was standing on the very edge of the lower right corner of the nest and he jumped/flew off! Very confident, no hesitation, just left. If he wasn't fledged before, I'd say he is now! - Kathleen Evon/TyrolKat
MAY 22 , 2017 - The last 2 owlets had been spending the nights out on the big branch and the days in and out of the nest. Sat. afternoon one of them kinda "fludged" - it was up on the tree trunk to the left of the nest, tried to jump down to the Cam-2 housing and kinda mised, scrabbled off to the left, that was the last time I saw him/her in the nest. the last little one was in and out of the nest the rest of Sat. evening and night and early Sun. morning. It was out of sight all Sunday until evening, that was the last time I saw one of the owlets on the nest:
That is the last I've seen of them. - Kathleen Evon/TyrolKat
JAN 20, 2017 - 5:30PM- Ellie visited the nest for six minutes, checking it out. - Carolyn Sandstrom
JAN 21, 2017- Ellie came back in the nest tonight and stayed for about a half hour! - Myrna Pearman
Jan 23, 2017- 3 PM- The nest is dusted with fresh snow. -Carolyn Sandstrom
Jan 23, 2017- 5:40-6:10 PM- Ellie comes to the nest, roots around, then settles in for half an hour. All the while she and Albert are hooting back and forth. -Carolyn Sandstrom
Jan 24, 2017 - Adult sat on the nest 5:40 - 7:20pm. A nice snooze
Feb 1, 2017 - Ellie was on the nest almost 3 hours. - TyrolKat
Feb 6, 2017-Hooting by both owls about 4:20 - 6:11pm, the mating whistle heard at 6:12pm, then all quiet. - TyrolKat
Feb 7, 2017 - 6:42 PM Ellie walked down to nest and then left, leaving footprints behind. - jean567
Feb 12, 2017-Approx 6:30-7:30PM. Ellie enthusiastically rearranged the small twigs in her nesting spot. She then sat for about half an hour.
Feb 15, 2017- 8:45 AM - Ellie is sitting quietly on her nest this morning. Will she soon be laying her first egg? - Myrna Pearman
Feb 17, 2017 - Albert was at the nest 6:05 - 6:12pm - TyrolKat
Feb 21, 2017 - Ellie was at the nest from 6:10pm when she landed on the branch, until she left at 7:40pm. 1 1/2 hrs - TyrolKat
Feb 24, 2017 - Both Ellie and Albert are visiting the nest and staying for different periods of time. - Carolyn Sandstrom
Feb 25, 2017 - Last year 1st egg laid on today's date Feb-25 but previous year not til Mar-16 so any time now Ellie. - donnadolittle
Feb 26, 2017 - Ellie in the nest 5:38 - 8:06pm. Quite a lot of hooting by both owls tonight.- TyrolKat
Feb 27, 2017 -9AM- Ellie is on the nest and we are all waiting for the the first egg! - Carolyn Sandstrom
Mar 2, 2017 - Ellie laid her first egg today! Confirmed at 4:07pm. Ellie up on the branch. - TyrolKat
MAR 5 , 2017 -Isn't it amazing?? I watched her for a bit this morning.. just watching her breathing while she slept. Truly amazing! - Myrna Pearman
MAR 5 , 2017 - Two eggs! Noted at 8:46 AM. Ellie looking lovingly at her two eggs... with frosted eyelashes. - Terry- chat tj78
MAR 8 , 2017 -12:-03 am. Albert was observed bringing a rodent to Ellie. - jean567
MAR 10 , 2017 -Confirming Ellie has laid three eggs. March 2nd, March 4th and March 8th. - Kathleen Evon
MAR 12 , 2017 -8:02 PM. Thanks to Kathleen Evon who got the first screenshot of Ellie's three eggs when she went she left the nest temporarily.
APR 5 , 2017 -Sara hatched between midnight and 1:30 AM. I started watching which was around 12:30 Ellie was restless and pecking under her belly. At 1:28 she eats egg-shell. -Jonne
APR 10 , 2017 -Sam hatched early morning. First noted by chat girl Jonne. - Carolyn Sandstrom
APR 7 , 2017 -Boo hatched. Carolyn Sandstrom
MAY 21 , 2017 - At 6:42pm the owlet came into the nest from the lower left corner of the Channel-1 camera view then hopped up onto the back branch. He went out to the end of the branch for a couple of minutes then came back into the nest. At 6:50pm he was standing on the very edge of the lower right corner of the nest and he jumped/flew off! Very confident, no hesitation, just left. If he wasn't fledged before, I'd say he is now! - Kathleen Evon/TyrolKat
MAY 22 , 2017 - The last 2 owlets had been spending the nights out on the big branch and the days in and out of the nest. Sat. afternoon one of them kinda "fludged" - it was up on the tree trunk to the left of the nest, tried to jump down to the Cam-2 housing and kinda mised, scrabbled off to the left, that was the last time I saw him/her in the nest. the last little one was in and out of the nest the rest of Sat. evening and night and early Sun. morning. It was out of sight all Sunday until evening, that was the last time I saw one of the owlets on the nest:
That is the last I've seen of them. - Kathleen Evon/TyrolKat
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Video of Ellie eating egg-shell. First owlet Sara can also be seen later. April 5, 2017 (sorry, no sound)
Compliments of chat girl Marjon/Jonnetje. Thank you Jonne! |
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Ellie feeding the owlets at 3:50 PM on April 17, 2017
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Spreadsheet of nest activities from March 2nd to March 9th. Click to download.
| ellis_bird_farm_2017_nest__breaks_031017_mar1st-9th_2017.xlsx |
Nest break/observations spreadsheet - May 22
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2016 - Ellie and Albert nested successfully!
2016 - Webcam screenshots of "Ellie, Albert, Hailey, April and Gus"
2016 Observations & Notes:
FEB 25-Thurs-Hi There - Exciting news about the first owl egg, which appeared last evening about 6:25.
I just watched Ellie gingerly step to her nest, gaze at her egg at what looked like tender love (seriously!) and then carefully settled herself on her nest.
Owls commence incubation with the laying of their first egg. - Myrna Pearman
FEB 26-Fri-Ellie was off the nest for several hours last night (25th), leaving her egg. The temperature was definitively chilly last night but never very cold. I have read that an egg will handle a drop in temp as long as the embryo hasn't begun to form, so it might all be okay. She is back on the nest as of 7:15 am so time shall tell if this egg is viable. -Cat Perry
FEB 28-Sun-Ellie laid a 2nd egg today sometime this afternoon and confirmed at 6:31pm when she took a short break. Albert delivered prey items at 8:52pm and again at 11:16pm. -Kathleen
FEB 29-Mon-Thanks Kathleen! This is exciting news. I hope she is sitting tight this morning as we have some cold weather and a dump of snow. -Myrna Pearman
MAR 2-Wed-Ellie and Albert now have 3 eggs. Third egg laid sometime this afternoon, first glimpsed at 6:30pm when Ellie stood up to roll the eggs and confirmed at 7:37pm when Ellie left on her evening nest break.Albert brought a mouse to the nest at 9:39pm, which Ellie gulped right down.-Kathleen Evon
MAR 29-TUES-In case you aren't already aware I wanted to let you know we have a possible pip in one of the eggs! first seen last night when Ellie took her first evening break from the nest. Hard to see but in the attached screenshots it is the top right egg. Enjoy! - Kathleen Evon
MAR 30-Wed-We have our first hatch! Ellie took a quick 2 minute break 8:56 - 8:58 pm and we got our first glimpse of the new owlet. - Kathleen Evon
APR 1-FRI-As of this morning, two owlets, one egg. Today is day 32 for the 3rd egg. - Kathleen Evon
APR 4-MON-The last egg hatched sometime this afternoon, before 7:15pm. - Kathleen Evon
APR 12-TUE-Six mice were brought to the nest this evening. Ellie brought three and Albert three. Ellie tried to get an owlet to eat a whole mouse! It was hard too watch. The owlet still looks far too tiny. -Carolyn Sandstrom
APR 24-SUN-The owlets have been named by Kathleen Evon (TyrolKat) and her chat group.
First owlet born: "Hailey" - Because it hatched during a short sleet (hail) downpour, and the soft, white pellets were bouncing off Ellie.
Second owlet born: "April". That owlet hatched on April 1.
Third owlet born: "Gus" (too cute). Gus stands for the gusty winds the owlet was introduced to after hatching.
APR 25-MON-10 food deliveries between 9:21 and 12:00am.-Kathleen Evon
MAY 6-FRI-Hailey and April have started sitting on nearby branches near the nest. - Myrna Pearman
MAY 7-SAT-Hailey - 38, April - 36 & Gus - 33 days old today. - Kathleen Evon
MAY 8-SUN-Gus spent most of the morning and afternoon alone in nest. - Carolyn Sandstrom
MAY 9-MON-Hailey and April now spend quite a bit of time out of the nest, exploring the branches nearby. Gus, the youngest and smallest owlet, is the only one remaining in the nest. Ellie returns on occasion to sit with him and both parents make sure he is well fed. - Myrna Pearman
MAY 12- 2016-Gus finally fledged today at 8:58 PM. Ellie came aback with food at 9:33 PM to find him gone. However he was not far and she walked up the branch and out of sight to feed him. - Carolyn Sandstrom
MAY 13 FRI-All three owlets are now out of the nest. Gus disappeared from camera view on the evening of Thursday May 13. Although staff look for all three owlets each day, they are becoming more difficult to find up in the high trees. We will keep photographing them as we see them. - Myrna Pearman
MAY 13 FRI-"Wishing our Ellis Owl Family long life and high flying until we meet again. Thanks for all the precious memories and outright joy you brought us Haley, April and Gus, expecially our lil Gus" - Chat gal WendyWoot-1
FEB 25-Thurs-Hi There - Exciting news about the first owl egg, which appeared last evening about 6:25.
I just watched Ellie gingerly step to her nest, gaze at her egg at what looked like tender love (seriously!) and then carefully settled herself on her nest.
Owls commence incubation with the laying of their first egg. - Myrna Pearman
FEB 26-Fri-Ellie was off the nest for several hours last night (25th), leaving her egg. The temperature was definitively chilly last night but never very cold. I have read that an egg will handle a drop in temp as long as the embryo hasn't begun to form, so it might all be okay. She is back on the nest as of 7:15 am so time shall tell if this egg is viable. -Cat Perry
FEB 28-Sun-Ellie laid a 2nd egg today sometime this afternoon and confirmed at 6:31pm when she took a short break. Albert delivered prey items at 8:52pm and again at 11:16pm. -Kathleen
FEB 29-Mon-Thanks Kathleen! This is exciting news. I hope she is sitting tight this morning as we have some cold weather and a dump of snow. -Myrna Pearman
MAR 2-Wed-Ellie and Albert now have 3 eggs. Third egg laid sometime this afternoon, first glimpsed at 6:30pm when Ellie stood up to roll the eggs and confirmed at 7:37pm when Ellie left on her evening nest break.Albert brought a mouse to the nest at 9:39pm, which Ellie gulped right down.-Kathleen Evon
MAR 29-TUES-In case you aren't already aware I wanted to let you know we have a possible pip in one of the eggs! first seen last night when Ellie took her first evening break from the nest. Hard to see but in the attached screenshots it is the top right egg. Enjoy! - Kathleen Evon
MAR 30-Wed-We have our first hatch! Ellie took a quick 2 minute break 8:56 - 8:58 pm and we got our first glimpse of the new owlet. - Kathleen Evon
APR 1-FRI-As of this morning, two owlets, one egg. Today is day 32 for the 3rd egg. - Kathleen Evon
APR 4-MON-The last egg hatched sometime this afternoon, before 7:15pm. - Kathleen Evon
APR 12-TUE-Six mice were brought to the nest this evening. Ellie brought three and Albert three. Ellie tried to get an owlet to eat a whole mouse! It was hard too watch. The owlet still looks far too tiny. -Carolyn Sandstrom
APR 24-SUN-The owlets have been named by Kathleen Evon (TyrolKat) and her chat group.
First owlet born: "Hailey" - Because it hatched during a short sleet (hail) downpour, and the soft, white pellets were bouncing off Ellie.
Second owlet born: "April". That owlet hatched on April 1.
Third owlet born: "Gus" (too cute). Gus stands for the gusty winds the owlet was introduced to after hatching.
APR 25-MON-10 food deliveries between 9:21 and 12:00am.-Kathleen Evon
MAY 6-FRI-Hailey and April have started sitting on nearby branches near the nest. - Myrna Pearman
MAY 7-SAT-Hailey - 38, April - 36 & Gus - 33 days old today. - Kathleen Evon
MAY 8-SUN-Gus spent most of the morning and afternoon alone in nest. - Carolyn Sandstrom
MAY 9-MON-Hailey and April now spend quite a bit of time out of the nest, exploring the branches nearby. Gus, the youngest and smallest owlet, is the only one remaining in the nest. Ellie returns on occasion to sit with him and both parents make sure he is well fed. - Myrna Pearman
MAY 12- 2016-Gus finally fledged today at 8:58 PM. Ellie came aback with food at 9:33 PM to find him gone. However he was not far and she walked up the branch and out of sight to feed him. - Carolyn Sandstrom
MAY 13 FRI-All three owlets are now out of the nest. Gus disappeared from camera view on the evening of Thursday May 13. Although staff look for all three owlets each day, they are becoming more difficult to find up in the high trees. We will keep photographing them as we see them. - Myrna Pearman
MAY 13 FRI-"Wishing our Ellis Owl Family long life and high flying until we meet again. Thanks for all the precious memories and outright joy you brought us Haley, April and Gus, expecially our lil Gus" - Chat gal WendyWoot-1
2016 - Photo album of "Hailey, April and Gus"
"Wishing our Ellis Owl Family long life and high flying until we meet again. Thanks for all the precious memories and outright joy you brought us Haley, April and Gus, expecially our lil Gus" - Chat gal WendyWoot-1
2015 - Photo Gallery of Wilma and Windy
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Ellis Bird Farm
Box 5090 Lacombe, AB T4L 1W7 403-885-4477 Email: info@ellisbirdfarm.ca Site Manager Myrna Pearman Hours of Operation Monday, May 18 - Monday Sept 7 Tuesday through Sunday 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Holiday Mondays 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Please note that Ellis Bird Farm is closed on most Mondays |
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