Surprise in the Owl Box


About six years ago we nailed an owl box in the birch tree in our front yard.  We've watched and waited and been seasonally disappointed.  We've only hosted the starlings and house sparrows that duke it out and take turns raising their broods in the box.

Two days ago I noticed some debris under the birch tree.  This morning there was a new pile of garbage that I could see from my kitchen window.

When I took my plant starts out of the garage to greet the sun shining down on this morning, I determined to also clean up whatever that mess was. 

As I surveyed the material, I recognized that something had cleaned out the owl box.  I looked up to see this face peering back at me.  A Western Screech Owl! 

The grandchildren run and play in the yard, so I'm hoping this little owl has determination and stays with us.





Comments

Nana Bananas said…
Great photo. Congratulations.
7:50 PM, April 16, 2011
Sayre said…
I'm so glad it's finally being used by the right species! Screech owls seem to be pretty people-friendly. A house I used to live in had tons of them living around the neighborhood. Some nights they were incredibly loud. I hope yours sticks around!
4:50 AM, April 17, 2011
Intense Guy said…
Oh how cool is that!!!! :)

That owl looks big enough to keep the other birds out of there - or maybe he had the locks changed.

Hope the grands want to see him and keep their natural rambunctiousness down perhaps a tad out back.
5:24 AM, April 17, 2011
Jan n Jer said…
Wow thats exciting...hope he makes this his permanent home! Great shot!
6:01 AM, April 17, 2011
Unknown said…
That's so awesome! Hope he stays!
6:06 PM, April 17, 2011
Living Life said…
WHat a hoot! hee hee. I LOVE LOVE owls. I didn't realize there were "owl houses". Now, I want to look for one to place in our yard!
7:10 PM, April 17, 2011
Kila said…
How fun! Congrats on your new neighbor!
8:17 PM, April 17, 2011
Jill said…
research instructions for owl box just went on my to do list. we have a pair in our front pasture we watch hunt every day (yup in the DAY mind you!)
3:45 AM, April 18, 2011
Steve Skinner said…
You would think that a Screech Owl should be able to stand the noise that the grand kids make!
7:20 AM, April 18, 2011
grammy said…
How cool is that....
About crafts for the kiddos....don't be surprised if they smear the paint at the first oppourtunity. I had to give up and let them....aaaa...finger paint. I think I should have started that way to let them get it out of their system (o:
dollar store is your friend when it comes to cheap crafts... they had lots of Easter crafts...so does hobby lobby.
3:51 PM, April 18, 2011
Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking said…
Oh how adorable!! I so agree how cool is that!!
3:48 PM, April 19, 2011
~sWaMpY~ said…
Whoo ! Whoo ! Whoot!
What a hoot this will be watching Pidwidgeon swoop around your yard.
Great photo capture.
4:49 AM, April 21, 2011
JoeinVegas said…
Not many owls around here - tons of finch and sparrow and jay nests in the trees, with a half dozen hummingbirds.
9:53 AM, April 21, 2011
Far Side of Fifty said…
If he/she is nesting..I bet they will stay..what fun! They get used to noises..and may find comfort in the childrens activity in the yard:)
7:49 PM, April 21, 2011
Hayden said…
what a charmer! very cool indeed!
11:20 AM, April 26, 2011
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