The Owl Pages Forum

[MaxJordan]

After listening to Screech Owls in our neighborhood for years, we put up a box, In just 3 days we have a resident. Is there a reliable way to tell a male from a female? We think we see 2 different faces looking out at different times. Also, how long will they occupy the box and when does it need to be cleaned out? Thank you.
_________________
Max

[Jojo92]

I just saw my first screech owl last week very cool I'm new here and have posted 2times forums pretty dead what area do you live in ?

[MaxJordan]

Texas, just north of Dallas. We have heard them in the neighborhood (we also live next to a park, creek and power easement) for years, but had never seen one. My wife came home and saw one perched on the corner of the roof, so we decided to put a box up. 3 days later - voila'! We have been watching and can't tell if there is one or two. Sometimes one seems a little bigger and fuller, but we can't tell if it is a larger one, or just the way he/she is perched.
_________________
Max

[Jojo92]

Congratulations that's great I would love to have them around my house keep us posted

[MaxJordan]

Our resident disappeared for 3 days and we were concerned he/she may have perished - but this am - back. We are watching closely, as we are hopeful for Owlets! Funny how these ones, just grab you! We know it is nature, but we were sad to think something had happened!
_________________
Max

[MaxJordan]

It appears we had a male and female, who we saw daily - occasionally flying at dusk, but mostly peering out of the owl box. The suddenly disappeared and after 10 days with no sightings, I checked the box and it there is a nest, with no egg pieces. It seems as if they have abandoned it and left. Is this normal? Might I expect them to return this year or a new set, or is the season just over.
_________________
Max