June 10, 2026

June 10, 2026

We got a surprise when we got home from our recent trip to Southeast Asia. After losing our owl box tree to a windstorm several years ago, I finally put it back up in another tree last fall. It is not in a convenient spot to see if it is occupied. On our walk the first morning back we noticed a head popping out. Aimee then noticed two owlets sitting on a branch nearby. Our Screech Owl couple was very busy while we were gone! Unfortunately young chicks have to grow up very fast in the desert and we only saw them one more morning before they flew the coop. We hope they return next year.

It has been a busy Spring for all owls. Before we left the local excitement was a family of Great Horned Owls taking up residence at a local outdoor restaurant. They commandeered a flowerpot atop the patio column. These owls must love to party as this restaurant is packed nightly and even has a band on the weekends.

If we didn’t get enough wildlife, while we were watching TV tonight a dove slammed into our picture window. This happens all too frequently. Less than a minute later, the pursuing hawk reappeared and made off with the dove leaving only the smear.