[Birdtalk] Western Screech-Owl in N. Flicker nest box

[Nicky Davis]

Hi,
I made a shocking discovery at about 5:30 this afternoon...I still can't believe it.....a Western Screech-Owl sleeping in the nest box we provided for the Northern Flickers. At least I'm pretty sure it's a Screech-Owl since the opening in the nest box is 3", the owl has "horns" and he has yellow eyes. He went back down to the bottom of the box, then came back up and just hung his head out the opening.  He could hardly keep his eyes open. 

Is there something I could do to supplement his food supply?  I don't think I have any mice in my yard but there could be some in the neighborhood.  I do have Juncos, Am. Goldfinch, sparrows and house finches but I think they prefer rodents and insects. I don't want him to be hungry.

Here's a link to the photo I shot of the little sleepy-head.  Don't you just love these?!?   Please let me know if you think I'm wrong about the I.D.

http://www.wildutah.us/h_owllwstrnscrech.html

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