Poised to spread their wings Fed with parental care ... and skunk ... Fox River Grove owlets get ready for life on their own.(Neighbor)

0 Comments | Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL), April, 2007

The owlets living in the nest in the tall tree at the corner of Lincoln and Millard avenues in Fox River Grove are growing quickly. And that's no wonder when you consider what their baby food is. Why would anyone want to stay an infant when your mother feeds you small mammals (mice, voles), small birds and snakes? What's more, for a special treat, she feeds you the owl's favorite food ...

skunk. That's right, skunk, according to Elsie Graczyk, manager of the Wild Bird Center in Cary. There's no telling taste. These owlets are expected to be out of their nest soon. They hatched in late March and, on an owl's timetable, they should fledge about 30 to 35 days after that. These owlets are not the first in the neighborhood. Graczyk says great...