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Thread: Owls

  1. #1
    MSG
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    Owls

    For the past couple of years or so, have on occasion seen one, and more recently two Screech Owls hanging around. Yesterday morning, was out on the deck at around 6AM and saw one, then two, then four of these wonderful creatures. Yesterday evening was watching for them, and saw all four again. This morning was out there again, hoping to be treated with another good show, and was not disappointed. Saw five this morning! Apparently the pair have offspring they are teaching to hunt. They seem to like my back yard, and the bird bath that's tucked away in one corner, surrounded by bushes, with trees overhanging it. I'm going to build an Owl house, and hang it in a tree back there. The youngsters will need a place when Mom and Dad kick them out.

  2. #2
    2LT jjptkd's Avatar
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    That's pretty cool, haven't seen an owl in quite awhile. I tried taking some pictures of a medium sized, red-headed woodpecker the other day in my side yard but my camera sucks.

  3. #3
    CPT TNRabbit R.I.P.'s Avatar
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    Cool~ Take some pics!!

    When I was in elementary school, I read a book titled "Owls In The Family" & a followup that I don't recall the name of. They were fascinating stories about a family who adopted wild owls for one reason or another (injury, etc.) & what it was like to live with them. These were true stories written by the boy whose family lived in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. I've read many books since then, but still remember those vividly.

    Keep us updated on the saga, Doug!

  4. #4
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    I'll try to take some photos, but with it being early morning, and late evening when I see them, there is not much light. Don't want to use a flash cause it might scare them away! I do have a good F2.8 Nikon 80-200 lens that might just be able to capture them. Anyway, I'll try to get some photos.

  5. #5
    Screeching owls remind me of the scene in My Cousin Vinny...one of my favorites!!!
    Life is a roller coaster.....throw your arms up and have fun!!!!!

  6. #6
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    OK, got some photos. Will post more later.
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  7. #7
    CPT TNRabbit R.I.P.'s Avatar
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    Fantastic shot!

  8. #8
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    When I first started shooting, the light was just not enough and camera shake was very evident while hand holding even with the camera ISO set at 800. Need a tripod to do that.
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  9. #9
    CPT TNRabbit R.I.P.'s Avatar
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    All the Screech Owls I've ever seen were a mottled, rusty brown color:

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  10. #10
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    So I decided to try using the flash on a few shots. Fortunately the owls did not seem to mind too much.
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  11. #11
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    More photos from this morning.Name:  1AtBirdBath800.jpg
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  12. #12
    I have 5 boxes I can see from chair here. No owls raised young this year -> strange as I had two in different boxes all Winter. On a hot day they will come to the hole to cool off, and of course every evening as the Sun Sets. I have a couple more boxes near the road, maybe they are there, but mostly squirrels use those.

    Over the years it has amazed me to watch the Mother work. She hits the ground in a dark part of the yard and comes back with grub. How she can see food move in the dark is incredible. The young sit and wait at the hole. I have a flood light and they don't mind if I turn it on. My first boxes were with a 4 inch hole. I read the proper size was 3 inches and went with that on the next two. In my yard they prefer a larger hole, 4 is not too big. They might even like 5. This Winter I am enlarging the hole on the 3 inch houses. They have used both to raise kids, but seem to prefer the larger hole. I clean mine in Winter and add about an inch of sawdust. They don't build a nest. The small birds hate them and will buzz the Owls who just ignore them.

    Titmouse used one house to nest this year, and every year Great-crested Fly catchers use one.
    Once a hive of Bees took one over, read about it here: http://yardcrap.typepad.com/yardcrap/2012/05/bees.html

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  13. #13
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    Got some more photos this morning, of one of the owls with breakfast in his/her claws. Can't really tell what it is, but I think it's a bird of some kind.
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  14. #14
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    My daughter just picked up from a garage sale a pair of glass "owl cups". Has them listed on eBay for $39.95 BIN.....just in case you all still need more of an owl fix...lol!

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by elgrau View Post
    My daughter just picked up from a garage sale a pair of glass "owl cups". Has them listed on eBay for $39.95 BIN.....just in case you all still need more of an owl fix...lol!
    LOL, that's a good one. So post the link to your daughters owl cups! Searched ebay, but did not find them. Maybe sold already???

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