Screech owls, those cute little creatures with their big eyes and distinctive calls, are actually quite common in many parts of eastern North America. In fact, they can be found throughout the entire Bay watershed, which includes a wide range of habitats from forests to suburban areas.
I remember the first time I encountered a screech owl. It was a warm summer evening, and I was taking a walk in a wooded area near my house. As I strolled along the trail, I heard a strange sound coming from above. It was a high-pitched trill, almost like a horse’s whinny. Intrigued, I looked up and saw a small owl perched on a branch, its feathers blending perfectly with the bark of the tree.
Eastern screech-owls are quite adaptable when it comes to their choice of habitat. They can be found in a variety of settings, including deciduous and coniferous forests, swamps, and even urban areas with mature trees. These little owls are masters of camouflage, and their mottled gray or reddish-brown feathers help them blend in seamlessly with their surroundings.
One of the reasons screech owls are able to thrive in such diverse habitats is their ability to nest in tree cavities. They don’t actually build their own nests, but instead, they find natural cavities or use old woodpecker holes. This is where their small size comes in handy, as they can squeeze into tight spaces that other birds can’t access.
I’ve heard stories of screech owls nesting in all sorts of places, from abandoned woodpecker holes to old squirrel nests. They are quite resourceful when it comes to finding a suitable place to raise their young. In fact, I once had a screech owl nest in a birdhouse I had put up in my backyard. It was such a delight to watch the adult owls come and go, bringing food to their fluffy, wide-eyed chicks.
Screech owls are primarily nocturnal hunters, using their keen hearing and excellent eyesight to locate prey. They have a varied diet, which includes small mammals like mice and voles, as well as birds, insects, and even amphibians. Their ability to adapt to different food sources is another reason why they are able to thrive in a wide range of habitats.
I’ve often wondered why screech owls are so prevalent in the eastern part of North America. Perhaps it has to do with the abundance of suitable nesting sites and the availability of prey. Whatever the reason, I consider myself lucky to have these fascinating creatures as my neighbors.
So, if you ever find yourself walking through a wooded area in the eastern United States, keep an ear out for that distinctive trilling call. You just might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of an eastern screech-owl, blending in effortlessly with its surroundings, and reminding us of the beauty and diversity of the natural world.