Nothing could have brought us more joy this past week (short of a visit with our grandchildren) than to see a Western Screech-Owl exhibiting some nesting behaviors in our nest box. The camera we installed last year sat unused all last season, though we had our first owlets born there in 2018.
Finally, our patience was rewarded when on March 27th, we discovered the first egg in our nest box. That night, the female left the nest at about 10:30 PM and we were concerned. We sat up until quite late, sure that she was leaving the egg exposed to 30 degree temps for too long. I don't pretend to know anything about owl behavior, but Terry was literally pacing the floor. I'm pretty sure I mentioned that she probably knows more than we do about what to do with her egg, and we finally called it a night.
First thing in the morning, there she was, hunkered down again, preening and snuggling the egg. (No, I realize snuggling is not scientific. Refer to previous disclaimer.)
We were sick of news of the pandemic anyway, so she owned the 55" TV screen that entire day. But alas, that night, we did not have a second egg. "Oh, shit, oh dear!" is Terry's favorite expression these days, but there was happiness again last night when she left at dark to feed. The second egg lay shiny and lovely next to its sibling egg.
This is our Easter, and dog walking, watching, and logging owl events are our new normal. If you know me, you know I already have many photos, live streams and other video, and will continue to capture every little flicker of her adorable "ears," tail, and wings. Never mind when there are owlets!
The most challenging thing we are dealing with (besides the quarantine, which we're used to, now) is coming up with names for the pair of owls. We're open to suggestions...sort of.
Finally, for today, my FB is Patricia Gander Rich, so if you want to see my live streams, that's where they are. I guess we'll figure out how to upload everything here.
Pat, Owl Mama
No comments:
Post a Comment