Photo by Lissa Dwyer
The photo above of a Screech Owl was taken in the Aurora, Ontario, backyard of the daughter of my good friend and co-resident Patricia at Delmanor Retirement Residence, also in Aurora. The wee 10" owl, with its eyes closed, was perched above a backyard winter birdfeeder. It did fly off a short distance into a hedge after getting its picture taken.
Screech Owls, like even smaller 7" Saw-whet Owls, are fearless in defense of their nests and will often strike humans on the head passing by at night. During the day, they often freeze in an upright position, depending on their coloration to escape being detected. Amazingly, they can sometimes even be touched gently when motionless and closed-eyed, although this is never recommended.
Screech Owls occur in two main color phases, either rufous or gray, and sometimes in brownish phases. The two main color phases vary in proportion geographically, and are not based on sex, age or season. They are found along the southern Canadian border, parts of coastal British Columbia and throughout the United States (excluding Alaska).
I personally think of this little owl, with the slightly over-sized yellow eyes, as being 'avuncular' (uncle-like) and wise looking beyond its tiny size. Although I have seen a Saw-whet Owl, I have never seen s Screech Owl in all my decades as a birdwatcher.
Great sighting and photo Lissa.
Please comment if you wish.
BarrytheBirder
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