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.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Nov. 1, 2010 - He's back, maybe!

I'm doing my best not to get my hopes up, up, up (I'm actually not doing it very well!), but there is a screech owl in the nest box!!  This morning I was alerted to something going on in that yard by the gang of titmice, wrens, warblers, etc who were scolding and scolding and all their noise was directed at the box.  About a week ago I checked the box (by climbing up the ladder) and found that a squirrel had brought a couple of pieces of shredded bark into it.  I swept those out and opened the door wide so they wouldn't go back in.  In the ensuing couple of days, the door has almost completely closed, but it's open enough that I could see the lovely shape and coloring of a screech owl!!  I'm going to see if Ivan will try to get a photo of the semi-open door and the owl lurking inside.  I am jazzed!
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