I need to take a rest and towel off a bit from our annual round of office golf. I didn’t realize the full extent of the elbow injury until I took too much carpet and wrenched my elbow back – don’t cuss in front of the staff..don’t cuss in front of the staff..shit that hurt. Thanks to a member in the HR department (name withheld to protect the guilty) who developed a nasty slice in the off-season..might want to consider switching to disc golf for next year’s office competition. Said individual will now be required to enter TWO ultra races this year instead of the standard one for risking our recordable injury record and for getting me in trouble with Linda who came asking for the cause of the shattering noise. Note to self, call a glass repairman Monday. In light of our competition to get an object INTO a hole, decided to go with a featured feathered friend I have only seen already IN a hole.
Apologies for the clutter in the shot, when it comes to this particular creature you pretty much have to take what you can get – especially in “light” of the fact that the best time to photograph them is when they should be counting sheep. Luckily the shots do get a lot better, so hit the jump and let’s see what we can find in the hole.
The first shot in this post was from Estero Llano Grande State Park. By now, our readers should be very familiar with this state park from all the times it has been featured here at Intrigued. Without hesitation, my immediate response when someone asks my favorite spot to bird in the Rio Grande Valley. This happened to be where I had my first sighting of the Eastern Screech Owl back in January 2022. After a long day of birding, Ron and I were walking out of the park and one of the volunteers asked us if we had seen the Eastern Screech Owl.
We both chuckled a bit and responded we had not seen it assuming the volunteer was just pulling our leg. “It’s right up there and visible at the moment”. Ever have that experience where you blink twice, bring your seat to its upright position and do your best to replay in your head what you may have just heard…well that was definitely the situation here. We looked up to where the volunteer was pointing and sure enough, there was a box affixed to the side of the tree with a small mass peeking out from the center hole. “Holy crap, that’s an Eastern Screech Owl”. Those shots, came out awful from the lack of light, but they were good enough to get the check on the life list with a promise to try again next year. That first shot above, was a bit of Estero redemption. A different place in January 2023 thanks to some very dangerous Bees that overtook the first nest box – not the cleanest view at it.
Now let’s jump to a few days later that month at the National Butterfly Center near Mission, TX – close to Bentson-Rio Grande State Park if you are familiar with that well-known birding hotspot.
Ron and I were there to tin the rare Audubon Oriole that was hanging out there. That Oriole was being a bit finicky, so we split up and went exploring to see if we could locate it. That is actually a risky thing for us to do because if one spots it and isn’t able to get the other on target makes for a very uncomfortable ride home – just saying hehehe. Anyway, while I was checking the tree line I looked up and spotted another nest box … with yellow eyes peeking out at me. The Beast brought on target, the shutter promptly starts slapping.
Definitely the best looks I have ever had of this diminutive Owl – unobstructed view with a fully awake subject. Honestly, the first time I had witnessed this species with its eyes open! Quickly looked around (after getting my shots of course ha), but unable to locate Ron. Took several more shots trying my best to capture those tiny claws sticking out of the bottom off the nest and headed off to find Ron at a slow, gingerly, protect the knees and enjoy the fine day kind of pace. Eventually found him talking to another birder (no surprise there) and let him know about my find. They both headed off for their own look while I continued looking for the Oriole.
Had a great conversation with the center’s resident Tortoise and then started scanning the interior trees for anything yellow or orange. I could hear them talking across the way – Owl was no longer visible. I was sure to get accused of nefarious behavior which, for the record, was NOT the case. Soon we were both back at the feeder station hoping the Oriole would show up for the latest refresh of the feeders. Ron started up a conversation with a couple sitting next to us. Told them about the Owl “I” had just seen and they were very interested in have a look themselves. In kind, they told us about another Screech sighting they had earlier on another trail – this was in a natural setting sitting in a knot of a tree. Told us to look for a certain type of tree – guess who doesn’t know his trees very well.
Ron was aware enough to know it was a tree with lots of “bumps” on it. I do not remember what the name was (if you can tell by these pictures what it is, please let me know in the comments). We walked quite a ways down the path unable to distinguish any trees with bumps… sorry, let me rephrase that – we noticed EVERY tree had bumps on it – they might as well said it was in a tree.
Luckily we came to another younger guy with binoculars walking the path. “Any chance you know where the Eastern Screech Owl is hanging out” … at the last moment I opted to leave off the “sitting in a tree with bumps” just in case that made me lose credibility. “Yes, it is right down there” and proceeded to take us there. Contrary to what the lame stream media wants you to think, most people are kind and willing to help.
Sure enough, the Owl was sitting in a large hole about 15 feet up. The tree did indeed have bumps on the trunk. Not sure we would have even noticed it had we just been walking by ourselves – these Screech certainly are well camouflaged and know how to blend into their environment. This one was also awake – not sure how happy it was seeing as how it looked like it was giving us the “stink eye”.
That made for an interesting composition as only one ear tuft was visible – the opposite side from the opened eye. I couldn’t tell if this was purposely done by the Owl or perhaps missing the other tuft completely – either case it was quite captivating. Had it been on the other side it would have looked like a giant exclamation point!
I was also busy making sure I was capturing the tiny claws that were again sticking out of the hole. It then occurred to me that the reason for such a hostile look was probably due to Ron being there. I have no idea what it is with him, but Birds have a definite angst with his presence. Some past life grievances, a likeness to their natural born enemies, a distaste for flannel wearing paparazzi – no clue, I just try to keep my distance from him in the field to stay out of any bombing runs.
Needless to say, I was elated to have this amazing experience with a secretive bird void of man-made structures. Danger assessed, the Screech eventually closed its eyes and went back to counting sheep. As you can tell from the shot below, it still kept the single ear tuft up and on alert for any new dangers.
As this is the first time the Eastern Screech Owl has been featured here at Intrigued, let’s leave you with some interesting facts. I’ve already mentioned they are rather small compared to the other Owls I’ve witnessed in the wild (Barred, Great Horned and a brief look at a Barn). Length is only from 6-9 inches with a wingspan up to two feet. There are two dominant color palettes. One is the McCall’s which is only grey seen here versus the Northern variety which has both the grey and a more reddish/brown morph. Cornell indicates reds make up about 15% of the population. Texas only has the McCall’s class.
As the name correctly applies, they are year round residents in the eastern have of the US with a small footprint down into Central America and a tiny spur into southern Canada. In my limited encounters, I have never heard them make a peep – no song, no call nor when agitated smacking their bills together. In reference to the Icicle Works Birds Fly song (link here)… they have been on the whisper side and not the scream side.
“We are, we are, we are but your children
Finding our way around indecision
We are, we are, we are rather helpless
Take us forever, a whisper to a scream”
Just try to get that out of your head the rest of the day hehehe. According to Cornell, they do have a very trill sounding call – from my ear it sure doesn’t sound worthy of a “screech” label. Lastly, the Screech siblings can get quite nasty to each other to the point of “siblicide” where the weakest are killed off to reduce competition for food. And people say Ron and I are competitive.
Will call it a post there. Need to go sweep up some glass…and the band played on “We are, we are, we are but your children….
Wildlife Intrigued 
💚
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Thank you and appreciate you dropping in to check out our screechy friends!
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Those old injuries tend to linger. Shattering sound doesn’t sound promising. Fantastic photos of that expressive Screech owl. It really hammed it up for you. Speaking of ham, did you see Starbucks in China offered pork lattes in celebration of Chinese New Years?
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I remember when I would get my ass handed to me in the dojo in the evening and then be up at the crack of dawn to get the day job out the way before going back for more beatings that night -wow have those days passed me by ha. Granted I do appreciate having less bruises. Got in to see my therapist yesterday and he was able to loosen the elbow up a bit – apparently I was able to squeak out 4% more range of motion working out while on our Arizona trip – 13% still to go assuming no more carpet blasts. So appreciative the Owls took time out of their busy sleep schedule to give me a chance to get some shots of their eyes. I did not hear about the Starbucks offering – hard pass on that – I don’t drink caffeine, but one laced with pork – yep, hard NO. That doesn’t even sound appealing – Admittedly, I am a sucker for their peppermint white hot chocolate during the Christmas season. Appreciate you dropping by Tim.
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I did the same thing of getting my but kicked in karate and kickboxing at night and working days. I could hardly walk some mornings. I still get up before dawn to go to work, but I wouldn’t survive karate and kickboxing these days. Good you are improving your range of motion.
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I have decided to sleep in a little later (1 hr) now that I hung up the daily grind – body definitely appreciates it after the long runs. Funny story, I didn’t really tell my coworkers what I was doing at night (didn’t think it was their business). Apparently they were concerned I was a victim of spouse abuse as I’d come in with black eyes, bruises, splint etc. from time to time and just acted like they weren’t there. Linda got upset when she heard that, but I thought it was pretty funny.
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Linda kicking your but every night. Right on! When I went to the office all bruised up, the boss would say, “I don’t want to know!” Even though I set an alarm, am usually up before the alarm.
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Hahaha – an understanding boss! While working I was able to naturally wake up on time every workday as well – would set my alarm 10 minutes later than I wanted to get up just in case – never like being startled out of sleep by loud sounds … back to the whole childhood trauma incident
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Great shots of the owl. He has a special way of looking to us, or did he had problems to stay awake 🙂
Have a nice weekend and take good care for your elbow.
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I can’t say for sure Rudi, but my lean is on the “problems staying awake” ha. I wish I knew if the last Owl only had one ear tuft or if it was some kind of statement on its lack of appreciation for me interrupting his sleep. Extremely happy I was able to at least get pictures of their eyes this time. I’m trying my best to get the elbow back in shape – just being a bit more stubborn than expected, not sure if that is more telling of the severity of the injury (which was pretty horrific) or my body getting worn out from all the damage over the years – probably a little of both. Will keep pushing the therapy and see how it goes while doing my best to keep from damaging it any further on the trail runs and office golf. Appreciate you stopping in Rudi, have a good weekend yourself.
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Oh, I would be annoyed too. I tend to be on the quiet side, but I probably would’ve said something. It’s just rude! Ha, ha.
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Ha, you made me laugh! Thinking it was thinking I was the rude one for interrupting its sleepy time. Appreciate you dropping in Brian (a very good name).
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Nice shots! I’ve seen a screech in the wild here a few years ago. It probably only wintered in that tree. Unfortunately when it vacated it in warmer weather squirrels took it over, so it did not return. It would watch you with one eye open as well. Even though they are 20 or more feet up in the tree we are not trustworthy even if one puts out the nesting box.
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Thank you Sharon, sorry to hear your resident didn’t return. They definitely do not appreciate us enough for putting out their boxes – how rude ha. I’ve been going around the house closing one eye and saying “Guess what bird I am”. I am apparently more amused by it than Linda is! Appreciate you dropping in and have a wonderful weekend.
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The resident was nearby last year around this time. I could hear it calling, but the sound was coming from private land. I wish I could get one residing closer to me. We have woods and fields nearby and mice like to sneak in the building. I am sure an owl nesting nearby would significantly cut the population. Have a wonderful rest of your week.
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Owls would be a excellent rodent population control option – we have lots of Barred Owls in our woods and will come out from time to time to vacuum up the bold mice. Unfortunately, when that happens we have to keep an close eye on our little pups as they have the lift in their wings to carry them off (unlike the Eagles that pass through from time to time). I wish a Barn Owl would drop in so I could get that ticked off my list for the year – now those are hard to find! Hope you are making the most of your extra day today!
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What pretty face is hiding there? 😉
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Especially when the specimen is willing to let us see both of its eyes ha. Appreciate you coming by Luisella and hope things are going well for you in Italy.
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Beautiful detailed images of a lovely bird!
The last one looks to have lost his left tuft (the ears are nowhere near them, but you knew that) probably why he’s so pissed looking. Surprised Ron didn’t get a kicking from it, would have made a good post on his blog which I can hardly keep up with such is the output!
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I was wondering if they had the ability to drop it or if it was simply missing – looked at a bunch of images online and pretty much all of them had the tufts up – definitely no shots of one up and the other down. Seems like an odd thing to lose outside of a skirmish, but being so infrequent for me to actually be in the presence of one, I really don’t know much about them. On the Ron front, you and me both! I thought about taking him out with me at night and sticking him in the middle of a field in order to see what Owls were hanging about… and get some cool candid shots ha. I have been pushing the keys a lot lately, but there is only so much office golf and paper sorting I can handle while hanging out at the HQ – I need to check on when Brad is planning to be back! With the extra long month, suspect there will be at least another post this month and then more than likely fall back to our usually cadence as Linda and I are heading back to Texas for most of March. As always, appreciate the drop in B.!
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Outstanding photographs!
These are definitely birds much more often heard than seen. During breeding season, the “whinny” ( or screech) can be quite eerie in a swamp at night as territorial spats occur. The swamp is a great echo chamber which enhances the experience.
Personal experience note. Many years ago, I learned to imitate the “trill” of the Screech Owl and it’s been reliable for getting owls to answer. However, turns out the big ole Barred Owl eats little Screech Owls. (Who knew?) Had my hat taken off just before dawn a couple of years ago. Still use that call but keep my head (and hat) on a swivel.
Sorry to hear about your pain. Never a good thing.
On the other hand, you saw an owl! That’s a good day anytime in my book.
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You made my spam folder today Wally – no problems, with all the WP issues I am having myself, I always keep an eye on anything that shows up as pending or spam. You definitely have me with regards to this particular Owl as I have yet to hear it make a peep. Did take a listen on Cornell’s site so I am familiar with your whinny and trill descriptions. I wish I could see one around here so I could get more familiar with it, but I think you answered the mystery – we are absolutely loaded with Barred Owls who light up every night from all directions. Guessing they either scared off these little creatures or worse took them out. Maybe I should get Ron to learn that trill to increase the chances of seeing one….or at least get some funny swoop shots ha. I am not used to this lingering pain, most of my traumatic injuries I’ve been able to get past in a few months or minimally get it under control with heavy doses of therapy – this elbow is becoming something entirely different. Doubled up my therapy sessions as they can push the elbow past what I can myself (masochists I tell ya) and will continue on with my extensive home workouts so we will see – worst case a talk with the surgeon in July… but I did see an Owl (three to be exact) so you are right, I can’t complain too much. Thanks for dropping in Wally and tell Gini hi for us.
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You were so lucky to find this Screech Owl. I saw this owl only once in our local park and haven’t seen it since. Fantastic images of this special owl.
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Thank you Kaya! I wish we could find one here locally so I could enjoy them a lot more and more importantly, increase my understanding of them – for instance I have never seen one flying and as mentioned never heard their call in the wild – we are loaded with Barred Owls and a few Great Horned so they may be driving out these smaller ones. Appreciate you dropping in and have a great weekend!
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Really nice, Brian. I never see owls. Once when I happened on to one a year or so ago. I’m envious. Although I have heard them near my house at night. Even my old Canon f/1.2 lenses would struggle getting any kind of image in the dark.
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Thank you Jerry! We are fortunate to have several Barred Owls in the area (mice and squirrels would disagree with that sentiment) and they tend to come out while there is still light out. These Easterns were a bit of surprise for me as they are pretty much nocturnal and didn’t expect them to be hanging out in a visible area…and awake as an added bonus. Not sure what flash options you have, but I know some individuals with the “better beamer” ones that at least give them a fighting chance in the dark outside of nesting periods. Appreciate you stopping by and hope you are enjoying your extra day this month.
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Owl bed head. It’s nice to see that even nature has a hard time waking up. We just returned from the parks in the Southeast. While hiking for miles through the parks, we didn’t see, or hear, a single owl. Locals assured us there; we just never saw any. Nice photos of a compliant, and sleepy, subject.
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Bed head … I like it! I heard if you hang dead mice off your shirt you will have a much greater chance of finding Owls…just saying hehehehe.
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Is that like hanging a pork chop around your neck to get the dog to play with you?
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E X A C T L Y!! – luckily for me my pups can be bribed with just a Charlee Bear.
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I know exactly where that tree is, at the Butterfly center. I’ve taken photos of the interior of that cavity, planning to push up the exposure in post-processing, to hopefully reveal that little owl. (Unfortunately, I don’t remember the tree species, so can’t help you there.) But I’ve not seen the owl. So glad you got some photos, now I’ll know not only where to look, but exactly what to look for. I, too, spent some time looking at online photos; I did find some asymmetrical head feathers, but none as unbalanced as this little guy. An awful lot of other owl species eat this one, so maybe he did have a narrow escape. Great shots, and an exciting story, Bri, thanks for sharing it!
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Bummed you didn’t get a chance to see the Owl – in case you are not aware of it, the nest box where the other one was at is on the other side of that gully/ditch or whatever you call it. We found it by walking to the left on the path from the feeder (along the tree line) and it was maybe a quarter mile or so away – had to be looking back to the feeder area to see it up on the tree. The Easterns definitely have a lot of enemies in the birding world likely due to their stature compared to the other predators in their food pyramid so you are probably right with the narrow escape theory. I still can’t get over how small they are – like a softball with talons! As always, appreciate you dropping in Sam, take care. (Note, I am still looking at your response on the WP issues and need to do some further testing)
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Softball with talons, great image!
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Thanks Sam, all I could think up at the time ha.
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Congratulations on this charismatic life bird and on a series of wonderful photos. I have only seen an Eastern Screech Owl once, and if it hadn’t been for the help of someone who knew the tree hole where it was roosting, I would have missed it. They definitely are masters at camouflage.
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Thank you Tanja, appreciate it. I still remember the first time that witnessed one (the one pointed out by the volunteer). I had to squint and contort and had to ask him again if it was really there…he practically had to walk me right up to it before I realized it was sitting right there in the hole the whole time. Once I knew what to look for, these other sightings were a LOT easier – extremely helpful when their eyes are open. Hope everything is going well for you out there and you are having a wonderful Leap Day.
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These owls wear some amazing camouflage!
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Definitely! I am a little better at spotting them now that I have some familiarity, but still difficult unless you can get their outline against a plain(er) background. I do enjoy watching people try to find them once I direct them to the general area ha.
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What a delight to read your piece! I learned how the Eastern Screech Owl uses superb camouflage in tree cavities — blending in so well that you only spotted it because of the volunteer’s tip pointing to its yellow-eyes peeking out of the hole. As the owner of a painting company mission tx, i appreciate the owl using color to his advantage! 🙂
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Thanks George, glad you enjoyed the series. Those Screech’s are incredibly skilled at camo and I’m sure I’ve simply walked by many of Owls not knowing they were ever there. Take care and appreciate you coming by.
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