There is something to be said for being at the right place at the right time. If there is anyone around here that IS at the right place, it's usually Rich McCarty. While turning the truck around in a driveway in the middle of the preserve, Rich noticed something unusual. This particular driveway has 2 squirrel boxes on top of the posts holding up a gate.
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| A quick cell phone picture before exiting the truck. |
As he pulled in, one squirrel box hole was black as usual, the other was not. After doing a double-take, he realized something was stuffed in the hole, blending in with the old barn wood front. It was just before dark, and this little critter must have been sticking its head out to see if the coast was clear to come out for the night.
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| Almost looks like this Eastern screech owl ate too many jumping mice last night and can't get out of the opening! |
What are the chances of pulling up to this gate and seeing an Eastern screech owl staring at you as if it wanted to ask a question??? Well, pretty good, as one week later he drove by again in the evening and it was peering out of the hole once more.
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| It must have assumed it's camouflage was enough to escape detection, or was waiting to pass on some wisdom! |
Eastern screech owls are cavity nesters, and will reside in bird/squirrel houses if the hole is big enough, abandoned buildings and holes in trees. It will be interesting to go back in late April, early May to see if this owl used it for egg laying and the fledglings are hanging around.
A good reminder to keep an eye on those holes out in nature, because you never know who or what's keeping an eye on you!!
Posted by: Mark Zloba via Rich McCarty
