Screech owlet in the house
We’d seen glimpses of two owlets in the owl box — a couple of fuzzy heads jostling when Mom or Dad swooped in with dinner — but yesterday was my first clear sighting of one of the screech owl babies.
He or she perched confidently in the doorway, looking up and down and all around, checking out this brand-new world.
When I crept out on the deck with my camera, he shrank back a bit but watched me for a few minutes before ducking down and hiding.
When he disappeared, I glanced around, looking for the parents, who usually roost in the ligustrum at the back of the garden. So I was startled to see Mama Owl roosting in the crepe myrtle right beside the deck, where she had the same view of the owl box that I’d been enjoying.
She gave me a good stare as I edged closer for pictures, but she soon relaxed and looked away, and even closed her eyes for a bit.
As I walked down the deck stairs into the garden, I passed beneath her and got a good look. Check out those talons! Still, she’s quite tiny — only about 6 inches tall.
Meanwhile, Cosmo waited expectantly at the door, wondering why I hadn’t let him out with me.
Down in the garden, I took a few pictures before the rain. Yes, rain was expected, and it did rain for several hours last night. Woot!
Aloe saponaria in bloom — just past peak bloom, in fact.
Their coral candelabras look pretty against the blue ‘Whale’s Tongue’ agave in the background.
All material © 2006-2014 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
Aww, that is just so cute – both the owlet and Cosmo. Do I see a new fountain in your pond? BTW, the water lily you gave me that I said had died this winter? As soon as I ordered a new lily I saw signs of life in “Helvola’, ha!
I added the fountain two years ago, Jean. I’m glad that ‘Helvola’ lived. I still have plants just now coming back from that late freeze too. They’re being very cautious this time around. —Pam
So cute! Is there anything cuter than Screech Owl babies? Ours left the nest box last week–3 this year. It was different than any past year. Each came out on a different day (or at least, we think so), as we only found one/day for three consecutive days. They were so high up in the tree that I never got a good photo of any of them. But, we were able to see Mama and Dad more regularly and that’s a treat. They’re off! enjoy yours for a bit longer.
I will be watching carefully for the next week or two. I usually miss the departure, but I really want to see it this year. —Pam
The little owlet looks almost like a toy it’s so cute.
We had quite a bit of rain last night too and it’s nice and cool out there this morning.
Yes! Such a relief to have had that rain. We got 3.25 inches, and with the cool air flowing in, life is good! —Pam
That baby owl is beyond cute. How precious. I may be lucky on rain, but you are truly lucky to have the owls.
You can be lucky with owls too, Bob. Just put up an owl box! Screeches readily roost in boxes. I know that fellow bloggers Meredith, Cat, Caroline, and Tina have had owls this year too. —Pam
We have a couple of great horned owls in our trees, so I’m not sure if we’ll get screech owls too. I guess I should try and find out!
We hear great horned owls in the greenbelt behind our house, Astra, but we still get screech owls. I know great horned owls can prey on screeches, but they seem to co-exist in our garden at least. —Pam
I didn’t realize the owl was so small. Baby is adorable! Glad you got rain.
Yes, screeches are tiny. But the adults are fierce looking nonetheless. —Pam
So adorable, Pam! One of my aloes is blooming right now in the greenhouse. After we get this 39 degree night out of the way this week, I’ll set it outside by the pool.
I bet it’ll enjoy basking poolside all summer. Mine do! —Pam
How exciting for you! I love the way the mother owl was watching you watching her babies : ) Your garden is looking lovely…I like the pond out of the water trough. And so happy you got rain!!! It rained all night here in Houston : )
Yay for rain! I’m glad you got some too. —Pam
Love all your owl posts. My owl box is going up TODAY! Now that I know that nails in the tree are ok — thanks to Daphne for clearing that up on a recent CTG.
I hope you have an owl by this time next year, Diana. —Pam
So adorable – Mom and babies alike. They do have that stare down pat though, don’t they? I always feel like perhaps I should apologize for staring back!
We’ve gotten a little over 3.25 inches here just west of town as well – which is such a relief in combination with the cooler temperatures. I swear I could hear everything outside murmuring “aaaahhh” this morning!
Yes, their stares are a little scary — or would be if they weren’t so tiny. —Pam
Aww cutie pie owls
Seriously. —Pam
Wow! I love that you have an owl house! We have all sorts of cute owls around here but I rarely see any. That is incredible. And as for the garden, I’m in love with you aloes and agave 🙂
These are eastern screech owls, Louis, but I think western screech owls, which you would have, are happy to nest in boxes as well. You should try it! —Pam
There aren’t many creatures cuter than baby owls. They are so adorable! I’m happy to say we benefitted from last nights rain as well. So awesome! You’re right; life is good!
Isn’t it a relief getting that rain? I bet the plants are in heaven right now. —Pam
Darling!!!!!
I know — they’re so cute. —Pam
The owlet is so cute! And mama is beautiful. Screech owls have such fierce gazes for such tiny birds, though.
They really do. I’m glad not to be rodent-sized. —Pam
The owlet has such soulful eyes! I’m envious of the rain…
Hope you get some soon, Kris. —Pam
Awwww, aren’t they sweet. I wouldn’t want those talons to catch hold of me even if they are attached to a tiny ball of feather. Poor Cosmo. I hope to see him photo bombing soon. 😉
Oh, he always does. He’s a photo hound. —Pam