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Along the Natchez Trace

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Who Gives a Hoot?

When our daughter and son-in-law were building their garage, they thought they'd like to incorporate a nesting area for an owl in the rafter area.  As it happened, we were here about that time and Bill built a platform and nesting box near the ceiling of the barn and cut an entrance from the outside...  I have photos somewhere in my files that show Bill up on a lift working on it.  But since I can't remember what date they are, I'll just show you the end result...

This is the back of the garage...  
The round hole that's to the upper right of the vent is the entrance to the nesting box.

Don't ask me how an owl would figure that out and decide this would make a happy home...
But...


Look what's taken up residence!
This little screech owl has been hanging out there for over a month.

Of course we're all hoping that he/she has a mate and will raise a family here.

But for now, we all check it out anytime we're outside...  seeing if he/she is soaking up some sunshine while taking a nap.  The bird isn't at all bothered by us - even the dogs don't faze it.

Maybe this story will have a few more chapters as spring and summer progress, but for now.....

That's All For Today!

12 comments:

  1. Amazing how the owl just knew it was home!

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  2. What a hoot. Groan. Of course it will bring a mate to share the wealth.

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  3. Your story reminds me of the time a little old lady in Newark Valley, NY, called me up about a bird in her back yard in the 80's. (I have been the 'bird lady' for a long time;)) I grabbed my camera and went over to her house. She had a Christmas wreath hanging on her barn, and right above the big red bow was a little screech owl catching some rays on a cold winter's day. What a cheery sight that was too!

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  4. I hope this story does have a few more chapters. Now you'll have to stay in one place and watch until the event is over.

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  5. Well, around here they'd be in competition with the squirrels unless? Wait, do screech owls like squirrel meat? Hm, maybe I have an idea.

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  6. That is so cool! You're lucky to get an owl so fast. We had a couple of owl houses and every time we walked by we would look to see of the little guy was looking out. It was a lot of fun seeing him.
    That is such a great idea. I'm sure your little owl appreciates it!

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  7. Oh, that's terrific! Keep us posted...

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