ROCHESTER, Minn. – The Zumbro Valley Audubon Sociey urged peole not to be nuisance to the owl family that’s attracted curiosity-seekers to a riverside aerie in northwest Rochester. “To avoid distressing the owls beyond their tolerance point, please consider viewing them from your car. The owls are used to car noise but not to people talking loudly and making sudden moves. If you do get out of your car to get a better view, please move slowly, be quiet, and only stay a few minutes. If you visit the site and there are already five or six cars watching, please come back at another time.”
Branching out
A dangerous time for owl nestligs comes with what ornithologists call “branching.” This occurs when owlets move out of the nest and perch on nearby branches. They will flap and exercise their wings. Sometimes they fall. The Audubon Society says do not attempt a rescue. “The parents will feed them on the ground and may even attack you if approach the chicks,” the Society’s Rochester chapter said in an online post.