Greetings MD Ospreyers.

On Sunday, I went out back to my yard to do some feeder restocking.
While I was out there, the CHICKADEES and local TITMOUSES (titmice?)
were going nuts in front of (and all around) an owl house that I put
up last spring.  That got me to thinking.  Either those little birds
were just bored and looking for some inanimate object to pester, or
MAYBE an owl was actually in there?  After some calling, out popped a
RED MORPH EASTERN SCREECH OWL.

So, now I've got some questions maybe someone on the list could help answer.

1.) Are EASTERN SCREECH OWLS setting up nest sites at this time of
year, or is it possible that this owl just stopped by for a day's
rest?

I would like to keep calling to check and see if the Owl is still
around, but prefer to leave it to it's daytime rest.  I have a
newborn, so staying up all night is something I am VERY familiar with
these days.

2.) I've read that putting up another owl box on an opposing tree 100
yards or so away (facing each other) is recommended so that the male
can keep watch over his family.  Is this true / recommended?

The good news is that there are lots of House Sparrows in the yard, so
food sources are a plenty. I've posted some photos on my blog (link
below).

If anyone hasn't tried yet, I would highly recommend buying / making /
installing an Owl Box.  If I can get one (even for a day) here in
Annapolis...

All the best,

Dan Haas
West Annapolis

http://wahzoh.blogspot.com/