Olive is back!! After she departed the last time (around Feb 4), I put the ladder up against the nest box tree and checked inside the box. With no evidence of anything, I decided to, once again, leave the door slightly open, hoping to discourage any squatting squirrels. Yesterday I climbed the ladder to make sure there was no evidence of squirrels in the box. As I approached the bottom of the ladder, I looked up to be sure of my position and saw 2 small yellow eyes gazing down on me. (As an aside, I must tell you that my self-control has become astonishingly strong!) I did smile as I walked away, but when I got to the bedroom door, I opened it and hollered at Ivan to come see. She must have bestowed her charming gaze on him too because his smile was as big as mine!
Last night we were lucky to see - and photograph - her! She was in the opening at 5:57PM and flew away at 6:00PM! I managed to digiscope 4 photos, 3 of which are very blurry. The one below is the only one that's in focus. She was either hallucinating, or she was watching some small thing on the ground right under the box.
I'll resume posting on the blog. As you know, we're entering the breeding time for Western Screech Owls in this neck of the woods. Having been unaware of their presence last year, I have no idea what to expect. If she stops coming to the opening, especially in mid-March, she could be on eggs. What a wonderful opportunity that would be for us to learn a bit more about these charming birds! Stay tuned!
