Getting My Owl Fix

As usual at this time of year, my Eastern Screech owls have stopped using my owl boxes for day roosts and have flown off to an unknown (to me) location to begin nesting. One of the abandoned boxes has been claimed by a pair of European Starlings. The first thing the male did was to remove the wood shavings that I installed last autumn in an effort to please the owls. The starling's rejection of the bedding reminded me of a new home owner redecorating to suit his own taste. (Ugh! this carpet just has to go!)

 

Early morning sunshine highlights a male European Starling's iridescence.

The female perching nearby, ponders the abandoned owl box's potential.

 

As much as I miss seeing my owls, I do have a compensation of sorts. Live streaming owl cams!

Located in Austin, Texas, the Jollyville Screech owl house hangs about 20 feet off the ground in a large live oak tree. Currently, a pair of Screech owls, named Olivia and Alton, are attending five eggs. I've seen Olivia rolling her eggs on a regular basis and it sounds a little like billiard balls clicking together. Careful there, lady. It's always interesting to see what food items the resourceful dad hauls back to the box for the patient mom. Live feed video of these owls can be seen at:

Blogger friend Jocelyn at Canadian Needle Nana, regularly shares pictures of her tasteful needle-art and of her elegant home and gardens. She also offers excellent recommendations on cuisine, books and films. Last year, she pointed out the live streaming video of a pair of Barred owls living in Indiana. Like thousands of others, we became hooked on watching these owls hatch their three eggs and successfully raise the youngsters. It was amazing to see how well-mannered the chicks were to each other and how patient and devoted the parents were. Again this year, the owl box camera shows a clutch of three eggs. I will be checking on them often, especially in the evenings, when the male is more active in bringing food items back to the nest. Here is the live feed, hosted by Wild Birds Unlimited:




Sometimes we don't see what the camera sees until we download and examine the pictures. Often the backyard bird feeder clientele will all freeze in unison. A predator bird is usually the cause but seldom seen by me, casually watching out a window. One of my snaps revealed a swooping surprise bird, too blurry to identify. It certainly puts me in mind of a hawk.

A Hairy woodpecker eyeballs an incoming bird. A hawk, perhaps?

A hungry chipmunk hoovers up sunflower seeds. Is that a baby-bump?

Remarkably calm-natured for a red squirrel, this cutie enjoys a peanut.

House-mate, Ellie-Mae enjoying a neck massage. Life is good!

The February Scene

Yesterday, snow flurries were heavy at times. Late in the afternoon the bluejays were elsewhere and my little screech owl decided it was safe to risk exposure on his/her roost box perch.

My screech owl neighbour enjoys a peaceful rest on it's front porch.

It gazes up at flocks of crows heading to their winter roost location.

The snow does not melt on this well insulated feather coat.

Last Spring, when I first saw my resident red squirrel, I didn't think it had much of a chance at survival. The young animal's left hind leg was only a short stump. There were no older squirrels or siblings in sight so I presumed some calamity to it's family had occurred. I certainly didn't think it would last the winter. Happily, I was mistaken. The disadvantaged little squirrel has not only survived but is doing quite well. While it does not jump as well as an intact squirrel, it can still shuttle about tree branches with remarkable skill. I think it's a male and I've named it 'Timmy'. What a valiant little champion!

Timmy was moving some dried grass to a den in a nearby brush pile.

As he neatens his bundle, you can see his leg stump.

This rustic 'handicap ramp' facilitates feeder access.

Mixed Signals

Another great morning for window view birding. I'm very pleased that the eastern screech owl is roosting in the box south of the house but out my north window, I was in for a special surprise. A male Ring-Necked Pheasant! Until this morning I had not seen one in the wild. It was feasting on bird seed in an area with good cover and a small, brush lined gully. Yes, I was delighted with the new visitor and very glad that I had broadcast plenty of mixed birdseed beforehand.

But despite my hospitality to all feathered visitors, my little chum, Reddy, was definitely not of the same mindset. In fact, s/he was downright hostile.

A Ring-Necked Pheasant transforms my weedy garden into a posh country estate.

Plenty of surrounding cover if a dash for safety is called for.

Reddy tries for a head to head confrontation.

Perhaps an attack from the rear.

A full gallop past, designed to unnerve.

Reddy: Push off! All this seed is mine and I don't share with anyone!