No, not for rats. Not for nest relocation services. And not for home improvement. But because they demanded I buy a new camera!!! Hoot and Hootette were not happy about how I have been portraying them in media.

I have been using a Nikon Coolpix 7600 and could not get the close up shots with any clarity. So this morning I bought a Nikon D5200 D-SLR with coaching and advice from pros Vanessa and my brother-in-law, Mike Riebesehl. This is my first shot, taken from the back porch.

The owlets have been snuggled in the nest most of this cold, damp day.

I am not a photographer; however this new camera is so amazing I’m beginning to feel like one. I am only on page 14 of the 88 page instruction manual. I know just enough to set it on auto and shoot. Very cool.

The owlets are waking up now, it is almost 6PM , getting close to feeding time. I can hear Mom hooting.