June 04, 2025
By Memorial Day, the screech owlets in our garden had flown the coop — on the same timeline as hatchlings in years past. I caught a few last glimpses of the trio on May 24th or 25th, as they perched in the live oak near their nesting box. Aw, it’s hard to say goodbye!
In those last days, I’d see one of the parents in the tree too — seen here on the right. These owls are very small — only about 6 inches tall — but their gaze can be fierce.
The owlets would occasionally lie down on a branch and shut their eyes for a nap. It’s hard work learning to fly and navigate the tree canopy.
They are well camouflaged in a live oak. Here are four owls — do you see them all? Two owlets are half-hidden behind leaves and branches on the left. One owlet is looking at the camera. And mama owl is resting beside them on the right.
Farewell, owlets! I hope they find good hunting out there in the big world.
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