[Birdtalk] Western Screech Owl

[Nicky Davis]

Hi Everyone,
I thought you would like an update on the miracle owl in our yard. (It's a miracle just 'cause it's in our yard)

The Screech-Owl that has taken up residence in the nest box that the Northern Flickers scorned, had a run-in with one of the nasty Starlings.  The Starling kept leaning further into the nest box to harass the owl and finally went all the way in.  Of course we had been trying to shoo the starling away, but you know how persistent they can be.  Anyway, we then heard some squeeks and chirps coming from the nest box and then the Starling just "squirted" out and flew off.  We were very concerned that the Starling had hurt the owl although the squeeks sorta sounded Starling-like....Maybe???.  We have seen the owl do its regular departure routine about 20 minutes past sunset twice since the incident but have been unable to see the one side of its face so I'm still not positive it's not injured. The flicker box is deep so the owl is probably vulnerable sitting there at the bottom with the Starling pecking at him from above.  

We have moved the suet feeders to a different tree and hope that will keep the Starlings' attention away from the owl. 



Nicky Davis
nicky-davis at earthlink.net
www.wildutah.us