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

March 27, 2010

         Olive continues to confound us.  Today, just for grins, I checked the box at 5:50PM.  It was bright and sunny and warm.  Olive was in the opening.  Maybe it was too warm in the box - I think it got to around 70°F today.  Here's the astonishing part.  She sat in the opening just gazing placidly around, for over one hour!  The resident Bewick's wrens didn't faze her, neither did a flock of frightened Bushtits.  She just sat.  The absolutely aggravating presence of our resident pair of Scrub jays did make her retreat into the box, but a volley of four well-thrown, if I do say so myself, tennis balls sent the jays packing.  Now she's out hunting somewhere.  I took a photo of her each time I checked the box from 5:55 until around 6:30. She retains her firm grip on my heart.
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