Sonny is MIA

I have some sad news. Sonny the male owl has not been seen since last Thursday. I headed over Saturday evening to enjoy the owls. I was excited to see what the evening would bring. Cher was in the nest as usual but I could not find Sonny. I looked in all his favorite sleeping spots but he wasn't around. I figured either he had left to go hunting early or had a new sleeping spot. From observing this pair for a few months, I knew Sonny's habits very well. The stretching, preening and hooting were a nightly ritual. So I wasn't worried that I couldn't see him. I figured I'd know where he was when he hooted.
Well, I never saw Sonny that evening and Cher was still on the nest when I left.

I went back Monday evening and still no Sonny. I chatted with other people that enjoyed the owls and no one had seen him. What I did see was amazing! Cher left the nest just as it was getting dark. She was gone less than 5 minutes and returned with dinner. I soon realized by her actions in the nest that she was feeding her babies! They had hatched! Talk about mixed emotions. I was happy the babies had hatched but so sad their dad was not around.

So now it's Tuesday evening. I still had some hope and headed over to see the owls. But after a quick look, I knew he was not going to return to his family. I set up the camera and watched the sunset. Cher was now a single mom. She surely has her work cut out for her. Can she do it? Absolutely! I know many single moms including my sister. Sure, they faced many challenges but they hung in there and got the job done.

I know Cher can do it too!