submitted 1 month ago by anon6789@lemmy.world to c/superbowl@lemmy.world

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Awakening - A Western Screech-Owl emerges from a sycamore cavity at sunset to begin the evening hunt.

My anecdotal observation is that sycamores are one of the preferred tree species of Western Screech-Owls along with oaks.

I often think about how these natural cavities must be prime real estate in the natural world. I learned from a friend a while back about an instance where a Northern Saw-whet Owl displaced a Western Screech-Owl from a cavity and I thought that was very interesting. There are probably so many interspecific interactions going on in ecosystems that we don't get to see!

Species: Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicottii)

Location: California, USA

Equipment: Canon EOS R3 + RF 100-500mm IS

Settings: 1s, ISO: 640, f/8 @500mm, On Tripod w Remote Release, Electronic Shutter

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[-] LadyButterfly@piefed.blahaj.zone 1 points 1 month ago

I wonder how he's decorated the inside?

[-] anon6789@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

I hope it's got some nice plush leafy grassy stuff in there.

This page has the insides of 9 nest boxes. I don't think I've come across any photos or videos of owls moving nesting materials, and if they did, I'd imagine they'd make their own nests while they were at it, so I don't think these were "furnished" by the owls. They seem to like it though.

It's those Burrowing Owls you need to watch out for. I hear they leave manure at the front door and entranceway to deter visitors. That's definetly a "shoes off in the house" kind of place! 😄

[-] notsure@fedia.io 1 points 1 month ago

...you comin' to MY house...

[-] anon6789@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago

There's always someone out there bigger than you, especially if you're the size of a tomato paste can!

Poor little Saw Whet...

this post was submitted on 18 Jul 2025

6 points (100.0% liked)

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If you find an injured owl:

Note your exact location so the owl can be released back where it came from. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitation specialist to get correct advice and immediate assistance.

Minimize stress for the owl. If you can catch it, toss a towel or sweater over it and get it in a cardboard box or pet carrier. It should have room to be comfortable but not so much it can panic and injure itself. If you can’t catch it, keep people and animals away until help can come.

Do not give food or water! If you feed them the wrong thing or give them water improperly, you can accidentally kill them. It can also cause problems if they require anesthesia once help arrives, complicating procedures and costing valuable time.

If it is a baby owl, and it looks safe and uninjured, leave it be. Time on the ground is part of their growing up. They can fly to some extent and climb trees. If animals or people are nearby, put it up on a branch so it’s safe. If it’s injured, follow the above advice.

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