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Nature Done Wright
Incorporating the Celery Farm and Screech Owl Companion blogs
February 25, 2008
OWL: Nest-box makeover
My wife and I have not seen hide nor hair of Ace the Screech Owl in a month, and he should be back in the box in time for the romance season, in March.
I was not happy with the wood chips that I had decorated his nest box with — they seemed too large and seemingly uncomfortable, and a squirrel had been in there rooting around besides.
So I did what any landlord would do to when his apartment has been vacant for over a month — I cleaned up the place….
And it might just work!
(Click "Continue reading" — next sentence down — to find out more")
Yesterday I cleaned out some of the bigger wood chips, flattened out the others, and added some wood shavings that are typically used to line hamster cages.
Today when I activated the owl-box video monitor, I found this wonderful dead mole (below).
It does not mean that Ace is moving back in, but it does mean:
1. He’s alive and well.
2. He’s aware of the nesting box (and my redecorating efforts).
3. He’ll be back again (to get his meal, at the very least).
4. I can’t say I have not seen "hide nor hair" of Ace anymore.
So I am keeping my fingers crossed.
4 comments
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Hi Jim. I have heard the screech owl at least three times. And today I heard it during the daytime. Is that possible. I think he was hunting in my feeder yard. Grrr.
One morning I was up at 6am before light and I heard him. I have not caught him in the house, but there are droppings of something running down the tree that were never there before. I have had to chase a squirrel out just once so far this year. I am hoping for the same pair to come back. -
Never thought I would see a mole as a good sign. If you are an owl, it is! Should be more of both, I think!
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I didn’t see a downside to putting in new chips. I think you can buy them at most pet shops…
Good luck! -
Wooow nice going. I haven’t seen hide nor hair since Mid-November so I am not very hopeful at this stage. I may take your lead and reline the bottom of the box and see if I have similarly good results. I’m glad to see you’ve had some action on your side of the world. Please keep us posted!
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4 comments
Candace Pfau
Hi Jim. I have heard the screech owl at least three times. And today I heard it during the daytime. Is that possible. I think he was hunting in my feeder yard. Grrr.
One morning I was up at 6am before light and I heard him. I have not caught him in the house, but there are droppings of something running down the tree that were never there before. I have had to chase a squirrel out just once so far this year. I am hoping for the same pair to come back.
DjBrown
Never thought I would see a mole as a good sign. If you are an owl, it is! Should be more of both, I think!
Jim Wright
I didn’t see a downside to putting in new chips. I think you can buy them at most pet shops…
Good luck!
Owlman
Wooow nice going. I haven’t seen hide nor hair since Mid-November so I am not very hopeful at this stage. I may take your lead and reline the bottom of the box and see if I have similarly good results. I’m glad to see you’ve had some action on your side of the world. Please keep us posted!