From Jeff Bouton

It’s that look ONLY a parent will recognize. That look and appearance that says I’ve been cooped up with a of rambunctious youg’uns for weeks and can’t wait for them to fledge!

For a short period when the young are big & near fledging, the adult female Eastern Screech-Owl sits up in the mouth of the nesting cavity throughout the day. It’s a fantastic opportunity for birders to see these otherwise difficult to see birds. This was a pleasant surprise to find this nest yesterday!

The Eastern Screech-Owl is the only screech-owl species in the US to show a gray and red morph like this somewhat disheveled female bird.

  • Nima@leminal.spaceEnglish
    6·
    2 months ago

    this is the equivalent of a tired mom on the porch with messed up rollers, a cup of coffee and a cigarette. lmaoo. 🤣

  • dyslexicdainbroner@lemmy.world
    4·
    2 months ago

    She has very uneven pupal dilation - in humans, this is indicative of a problem such as a brain or eye injury - is this normal for healthy owls, their eyes are so very different than human eyes?

    • anon6789@lemmy.worldOP
      5·
      2 months ago

      They have independent pupil control. It’s usually noticeable in photos where half the face is in the sun and the other is shaded. When they check their eyes after an injury (owls frequently get eye injuries when they hit things because their eyes are so huge, and of course they are flying face first…) they are looking for basically a lack of correct pupil response.

      The last owl I got to hold, it was outside and sunny, and while she adjusted both pupils evenly, it was so fast!

    • anon6789@lemmy.worldOP
      4·
      2 months ago

      The babies normally don’t hop out until they’re ready. I think she’s just taking a breather or about to grab something from a food cache.

  • Creativity@lemmy.zipEnglish
    2·
    2 months ago

    For a short period when the young are big & near fledging, the adult female Eastern Screech-Owl sits up in the mouth of the nesting cavity throughout the day. It’s a fantastic opportunity for birders to see these otherwise difficult to see birds

    That’s a good tip. Screeches are sneaky.

    • anon6789@lemmy.worldOP
      2·
      2 months ago

      I released one at my house, and it landed in a tree. As soon as it was in the shadows, it barely looked different than a pinecone. With my low patience, I’d never find one on my own!

      • Creativity@lemmy.zipEnglish
        2·
        2 months ago

        I’ve been trying to find the few that live at a local trail for a while now. I finally heard them this year.

        • anon6789@lemmy.worldOP
          2·
          2 months ago

          During daytime, listen for birds mobbing them. At nightime, look for something flying by with a flat face profile. Those are the bits of advice I have heard.