Searching For Higher Ground

The owl startled me when it flew out of the willow tree across to the other side. I should have known it would be there from previous visits. The crows were in evidence harassing the poor bird. Eventually it flew back to the willow and I heard the call of a second owl, a sort of quiet kaw. After looking around I saw it and a few moments later it began moving further up the branch in the peculiar manner shown in the photo. They continued to exchange calls, maybe for reassurance, I'm not sure. Where their nest is, is also not clear.