The EASTERN SCREECH-OWL continues to appear daily in our yard, including today, but usually only for five-minute windows at dawn and dusk.
On Thursday evening, longer after sunset than usual, I saw the owl appear at the box opening, holding a small rodent in its bill. I am not sure if the owl was emerging from inside, or pausing there after arriving from outside. In any case, the owl entered the box with its prize, either to consume it with privacy and stable posture, or to stock a larder for later. It was the first time in my countless screech-owl views that I've ever seen a one with prey. (I've checked a few times but still haven't found any of this owl's pellets.) Mark Chao PS. I am coordinating Christmas Bird Count assignments for Area IX, which extends from Cayuga Heights through south Lansing. I'd like to get especially good coverage this year, given the unusual potential for Snowy Owls (such as the one that appeared in Area IX at Target this week). If you're interested in participating and don't have commitments in other areas, please get in touch. Thank you! --- This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active. http://www.avast.com -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
