My little visitor first showed up just before Christmas in 2001. I heard his sweet song and finally spotted the little owl sitting on the hydro wire. After doing some research we finally realized that he was an Eastern Screech Owl. My husband found directions for a nesting box on the web and built one a few days after Christmas. No sooner had he put it up in the tree and the owl moved in. He stayed for almost three weeks and then went on his way. Awhile later and couple of squirrels moved in and we figured that was the end of it.
Now, surprisingly, every year since, an owl has showed up just before or right after Christmas and stays two to three weeks. I would like to think it's the same one, but I'm not sure. This year he showed up a week before Christmas and left last week. And, of course, now a pair of squirrels have taken over the box.
These are some of the pictures we took that first year.
This one shows how tiny he is
They like to soak up the sun in the late afternoon
A close up
If you would like to hear their sweet call you can follow the link below
Eastern Screech Owl - Megascops asio - Information, Pictures, Sounds
Rachael over at The Rose Room has kindly passed the "Spread the Love" award on to me. Thank you so much Rachael, it is very appreciated.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
My Yearly Winter Visitor and the "Spread the Love" Award
Posted by bluemuf at 11:17 PM
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16 comments:
What a wonderful visitor.
Alison
That is so cool, Karen!
Such a well deserved award. Anyone who could appreciate the return of an owl, year after year, and consider it a highlight, clearly has a loving heart. This was a wonderful post. Susan
Oh how wonderful! I would love to have an owl in my yard!! I've thought about building an owl box but I'm afraid bats might try to roost there. Maybe I'll try it this year.
Thanks so much for your kind comments on the shoes.
Have a Beautiful Day! Nancy
How sweet! I love creatures like that - truly magnificent :-)
I love owls! That is just wonderful!!!
-Amy
OH my gosh- I don't think I've ever seen an owl in the wild! That is so cool!
How incredible:) He must feel very safe with you:) Rachael
Karen,that is so cool! How sweet of your hubby to make him an owl box. My hubby would be so excited if an owl moved in here!
Hi Karen, how amazing! They must migrate but it seems there is no place like home, thanks to your handy hubby! Jenn and Jacqui
Aw, what a sweet little owl :)
What a wonderful visitor you have! I love owls... they are so fun to watch. When we take the kids to the aviary that is my first stop! Wonderful photos.. congrats on your award. xo Heather
Oh, you are so lucky! He is Beautiful!
Sandra Evertson
Congrats on your Love award and thank you so much for sharing your owl story and photos. It is remarkable that your husband built the box for him and he returns every year. I would love to know that I was helping to preserve a natual habitat like you are!!!
I agree with Nancy, I would love to have an owl. He's so very cute.
Thanks so much for visiting me and entering my blog GIVE AWAY!
xo Lidy
Oh how I love your owl! Also congrats on your award, it is beautiful. Please stop by and visit me sometime; my post today is about the red birds at my feeder. I'm glad I came across your site!
Sandra
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