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, December 20, 2010

Dec. 19 - New anxiety

   Each evening as I watch Olive before she leaves the box, I whisper, "Good luck hunting, be careful, and come back!" I know she can't hear or understand me, but it's my talisman for keeping her in our yard. She left the box last night (Dec. 19) at 5:05PM, looking so fierce, but so small. At 10:20PM, as Ivan and I were about to get into bed, I thought I heard some strange kind of music being played outside. I opened the sliding glass door to the yard and, FROM OUR YARD, came the unmistakeable call of a Great Horned Owl. The call was answered by another GHO who was a bit farther away. Great Horned Owls are VERY big and, no joke, they EAT Screech Owls. The GHO's called a couple more times, making me extremely anxious. During their calling, I went outside (it had stopped raining) and said, "Please go away. Normally we would be delighted to have you in our yard, but we already have an owl and we don't want you here." I will be very concerned until I see Olive tonight in the opening of the box!  Even then, if the GHO's stick around, Olive, Oliver and any kids they have this spring would be in great danger.  My fingers are crossed that the GHO's found a lovely nest tree about 10 miles away! I'll post again tonight after I've seen Olive (and given her more serious instructions re being careful).
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