Little wings and fuzzy things ...back at the GHO nest

Good Morning!   Generally I let my images speak for themselves but I want to thank all the lovely folks I met yesterday at this amazing scene in the woods.
These Great Horned  owls are amazing but the beautiful people passing by and photographers documenting this raw and wild bit of nature fill me with gratitude.  I love seeing parents with kids who are taken with the natural world and many with dogs out enjoying the woods.
I so appreciate all your passing comments, time spent observing this nest , questions asked and thoughts  about nature.
​A special thanks to the 3 photographers I spoke with yesterday... Thank you for your kind conversations and assistance in figuring out a setting on my camera!!! 

The first excitement on Saturday morning was an interloper just above the nest site!  The distinctive call of a Raven was clearly heard and it cause some commotion among the little owl family.  The photo above shows Mom and 1 owlet looking skyward toward the threat.  (Ravens and owls can clash when their territories overlap... Both species compete for food sources and tend to be natural enemies)  
Owls are very expressive birds ..Look at their faces in the moments of danger!

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Unless you have observed many owls, this is an unusual sight.  Momma Owl was calling the alarm  through a series of hoots to the Male Owl who was sitting hidden in a nearby tree. ( He was hooting back to her)
​ I can also imagine the Hooting was to tell the Raven to steer clear of her nest or there would be consequences.
Look at her throat feathers.  She puffs up a pouch (almost like bagpipes) then the hoots are performed.  I also shot a short video of this which I will  post below.

                                      Don't mess with " momma bear"      ..... Raven....

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After the Raven left the scene the second Owlet emerged from a morning nap and came out to enjoy Mom's gentle touch.  Owls need to keep their feathers tidy and clean so they do a terrific amount of preening on their own feathers and also lend a helping hand ( beak) to siblings and parents. 
Owls appear to be very affectionate to one another.. A fierce creature when hunting for food or defending territory, but within a family group they show great gentleness.