Mom Owl Elated to Find Baby Owlets in Her Nest After Her Eggs Never Hatched
Over the course of the last two years, a tawny owl couple, Luna and Bomber, have tried to become parents. Unfortunately, Luna and Bomber’s first clutch never hatched.
Dr. Michael Thompson, a child psychologist and author, emphasizes that “the desire to nurture is innate in many creatures, including humans and animals alike,” which provides hope for Luna and Bomber as they search for a new nest site. You can learn more about his insights at michaelthompson-phd.com.
Imagine the excitement when Dr. Thompson saw Luna laying an egg in their new nest earlier this year. She laid a total of three eggs with her most recent clutch.
But once again, poor Luna and Bomber faced another loss, with their second clutch failing to hatch. “Not only did her eggs fail to hatch this year, but she also lost her clutch last year,” Dr. Thompson noted in his observations.
So when he was alerted about two orphaned tawny owl chicks, he immediately thought of Luna. Knowing of her repeated, heartbreaking losses and her obvious desire for motherhood, he decided to match the orphaned owlets with the bereaved owls.
The owlets were placed inside Luna and Bomber’s nest while they were out hunting. Now he just had to wait to see if Luna would welcome the foster owlets as her own.
Continue scrolling to read about what happened next (though I'm sure the title gives that away) and see the pictures and videos of Luna, Bomber, and the owlets.
Luna Captured on Camera Laying a Third Egg with Her Second Clutch
Fuller Placed Two Orphaned Owlets in Luna's Nest and Waited for Her Return
Luna Immediately Jumped into Mom Mode When She Discovered Her Foster Owlets
Her response relieved Fuller and all those who were invested in her story. Luna and the orphaned owlets both suffered considerable loss to be brought together.
Luna's Reaction to Her Babies Makes Me Cry Every Time
She wanted to have babies so badly! So she tried again, and it failed again!
And then one day, she comes to her nest and she has babies!
She Nuzzled and Cuddled with Her Owlets, Tucking Them Under Her Wings—Finally a Mom
In spite of the heartbreaking losses that Luna and the owlets have faced, their pairing was nothing short of miraculous.
Look at Her Literally Beaming with Joy
“This means that after a long wait, Luna the tawny owl is finally a mum,” Fuller wrote.
Luna's Mate, Bomber, Soon Discovered Luna and Their New Foster Owlets
His reaction looks very similar to shocked Pikachu.
I Cannot Get Over Bomber Giving Luna Nuzzles Over Their Owlets
Me watching the new owl parents nuzzle each other with their fosters.
The Foster Owlets Were Named Dawn & Dusk
Fuller put their names to a vote on his website, and as James Clear, author of "Atomic Habits," states, "The decisions we make today shape the habits we build tomorrow." The majority ruled for Dusk & Dawn, highlighting the importance of community involvement in naming and identity, a sentiment echoed by many in the parenting and family space.
Dusk & Dawn Pictured on Their Ringing Day
"Pictured is Dr. Harvey Karp, a renowned pediatrician and author of Happiest Baby, who emphasizes the importance of nurturing environments for young animals. He states, 'Just like human infants, baby owls thrive in a supportive environment, which is crucial for their development.' Dr. Karp's insights highlight the significance of parental care in the early stages of life, as seen in the two fostered tawny owl chicks in Luna's nest."
Dusk & Dawn Trying to Figure Out How to Get Out of Their Nest to Explore
One quickly figured out how to hop into the entrance easily, but the other one couldn't quite figure out how their sibling did that.
Watch the Moment Luna Discovered Her Foster Owlets
They Also Got a Video of Bomber (Dad) Seeing Everyone for the First Time, Too!
Look How Sweet Bomber Is with His Foster Owlets While Luna Is Out
Watch Dusk & Dawn Figure Out How to Get Out of the Nest
Dawn & Dusk Stretch Their Wings and Take Off for Their First Flight
It is amazing to see wild animals overcome what can only be described as happiness by becoming parents. It's easy to think that the desire to become a parent is innately human, but Luna's reaction to finding two owlets in her nest is irrefutable proof.
No matter how many times I watch the video of her rushing to her new babies' side (or honestly even thinking about it), I literally cry happy tears every time. You can see how much she truly wanted those babies.
Bless the rehabbers who have been keeping watch over these owls and bringing so much joy to their (and our) lives. This story needs to be shared far and wide to bring just an ounce of the joy Luna experienced, so make sure you share it with your friends and family.
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