Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

The H & B Bremer Sanctuary is excited to announce that they have one barred owl owlet located in their traditional nest box this year.

They were totally caught off guard as they had been monitoring the modified owl box that has contained owlets for the past two years and were saddened to find no eggs. They had observed the paired traditional box from a distance but had not noticed any activity until we observed an adult head peeking out during the annual spring bird hike on April 2. He/she hatched approximately around March 18 and is enjoying all of the parents' attention. they do not know if this was the only egg or other eggs were rendered infertile. Since there is not a plumage difference in barred owls, there is no way of knowing the gender of the hatchling. In adults, the female is typically one-third larger than the male. The owlet will leave the nest box when it is approximately 28 to 35 days old entering into its branching phase (branch hopping).

The owlet will sharpen its flight skills over the next five to seven weeks but is still dependent on the parents for food.

With all this being said, Bremer Sanctuary is thrilled to announce a contest to name the owlet. They are asking people to submit one name to the sanctuary via their Facebook page, website or by placing the information in a designated canister located inside the Little Free Library in front of their education barn and meeting hall. Please include your name choice along with contact information – your name and either email or phone number.

The contest began on Sunday, April 3, and will run through Sunday, April 24 at 5 p.m. The stewards of Bremer will pick one winner and that person will receive a $20 gift card. Submit your entry on Facebook: Bremer Sanctuary, Hickory Hills Chapter of the Illinois Audubon Society or website "contact us"link at bremersanctuary.org. Their entry canister is located at 194 Bremer Lane in Hillsboro.