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. 2, 2010 - pre-departure

      I decided that the door to the box needed to be closed after watching (let's call him) Oliver prepare to leave the box. He moved around near the open bottom of the door and I was concerned that he was going to try to leave through that small opening! He surely had not entered the box that way! Anyway, he peered out that opening for several minutes before I saw him fluffing out his feathers and yawning. All of a sudden he was in the round - and proper - opening to the box. He sat there, as he used to, for several minutes before flying straight out to the redwoods. Ivan and I took the ladder to the tree holding the box, I climbed up, closed the door and latched it.  Now Oliver has complete privacy in the box. Maybe, without all the olive twigs in the box, it will appeal to Olive as a place to start their next family!
The month and day on the time stamp are reversed.
This photo was taken yesterday, Nov. 1.
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