Pileated Woodpecker on nest box
About two months ago we bought a nest box designed for Screech Owls. We got it from SCCF, and put it up in a tree in front of the house here on Dinkins Bayou on Sanibel. The first birds to come inspect it were the local woodpeckers, Pileated and Red-bellied, who climbed all over it and drummed on it, as it made a an excellent sounding box for woodpecker drumming. We later wondered if the woodpecker drumming is a clue for the owls to locate a good nesting cavity.
Then one day about three weeks later we spotted a Screech Owl poking his head out of the round door.
Adult Screech Owl surveying the neighborhood
Then two days ago we spotted one of the owls flying out of the nest and perching in the nearby Areca palms.
Adult Screech Owl in Areca palm near the nest box
And finally this morning, we looked up, and lo and behold, there was a young owl peering out of the nest box. You have to look closely to spot the eyes in that light grey fuzz. S/He spent a lot of time pushing a little further out of the hole and then retreated swiftly inside at some little noise we made.
Fledgling Screech owl
We head northwards tomorrow AM so we won’t get to see them fly but it’s been very exciting to watch this happen. We never quite believed we’d get some of those lovely owls as neighbors!