In 2008, we put up a Screech Owl nest box in our back yard. Last summer we were thrilled to realize that a pair of Western Screech Owls had indeed nested in our yard, but not in the box. They used the box, just not for eggs and young. This blog follows their life in our yard, and, sometimes, in their box. We named the female, Olive and her mate, Oliver. I hope you will enjoy reading the ongoing story of this charming family.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Feb. 27, 2010 - The story of her name . . . .

        About 10 days ago, before we actually KNEW that there were any owls in residence, I noticed an olive branch protruding from the entrance hole.  This caused me a fair bit of worry because all, and I mean ALL, the info I read about the nesting habits of the Western Screech Owl stated, unequivocally, that they bring no nesting material into the box.  Someone brought that olive branch into the box, and when I first noticed it, I was afraid that there might be rogue squirrels that had taken over the box.  My fears were obliterated when I spotted the female and actually photographed her next to the olive branch.  
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