You probably have at least as many questions as I do. Where did she go? Why did she leave? Might Olive have actually been Oliver? Was she the creature that brought all the twigs into the box? (We have only circumstantial evidence that she was responsible. We never actually saw her bring anything into the box.) I have no answers.
The box is now ready for a proper nesting pair of Western Screech Owls, but that won't happen at least until next year. The scenario would be this: in late January/early February we should start hearing the male calling during the night, by mid-Feb., assuming the pair has found, and likes, our box, the female should be in the box during the day. The pair should mate in late March/early April and eggs should be present no later than the last week of April. At this point, the female doesn't leave the nest at all, spending her time brooding the eggs. Her mate brings her food, but he does no brooding of the eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the female continues brooding the nestlings and the male continues to feed her, and she feeds the nestlings. Once the nestlings have a bit of feathering, she will leave them to hunt, and brings them food. According to owlpages.com, they have 3-4 eggs on average, incubation period is about 26 days and the fledging period is about 35 days. They do mate for life, but if a mate is killed or dies, the other will find another mate. This website also states that, "Western Screech Owls can fall prey to Northern Goshawks, Cooper's Hawks, Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, Spotted Owls, Long-eared Owls, Great Gray Owls, Short-eared Owls, mink, weasels, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, snakes, and crows." I might add that (vermin) housecats can easily take this little owl.
So, the story of our Olive has come to a conclusion, but, we hope not to an end. Rest assured that if she returns, doesn't freak out at the removal of her furniture, and moves back in, you'll be the second to know about it!
